Intelligence Management and Crime Prevention in Nairobi County, Kenya.
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Date
2025-03
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Many jurisdictions worldwide are adopting intelligence management for crime prevention. This study investigated the impact of adoption intelligence management for crime prevention in Nairobi City County, Kenya, with three specific objectives: namely, to analyse how intelligence data collection techniques impact crime prevention, to assess how intelligence data sharing procedures impact crime prevention, and to evaluate how intelligence data utilization affects crime prevention. Guided by Routine Activities Theory (RAT) and Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) theory that shaped the study’s analytical framework by explaining how intelligence management contributes to crime prevention. The theories suggests that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians converge and that crime occurs when an opportunity arises, and it can be prevented by strategically altering the environment to deter potential offenders respectively. In this study, intelligence management was conceptualized as a mechanism that enhances capable guardianship through improved data collection, sharing, and utilization, thereby disrupting crime opportunities. This study surveyed 247 criminal investigations officers across Nairobi's 17 sub-counties, using simple random and purposive sampling. DCI officers were selected through simple random sampling to ensure broad representation across Nairobi's 17 sub-counties, while CIO heads were selected purposively due to their specialized expertise and oversight roles in intelligence management. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, then analysed using program for statistical analysis in social science (SPSS), employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including Principal Factor Analysis. Qualitative data from the interviews was analysed thematically. The findings indicated strong support for the availability of intelligence tools (mean = 4.06); however, personnel sufficiency was perceived as inadequate (mean = 3.28), raising concerns about the capacity for effective intelligence gathering. Reliability and completeness of data were also problematic, with data integrity receiving the lowest rating (mean = 2.93). Factor analysis identified timeliness and personnel adequacy as critical factors shaping perceptions of intelligence effectiveness. Regarding intelligence data sharing, respondents expressed confidence in technical know-how (mean = 3.52) and validation processes (mean = 3.62). However, concerns emerged regarding confidentiality (mean = 3.41) and the effectiveness of sharing channels (mean = 3.55). Factor analysis further revealed strong interconnections among these variables, suggesting that enhancing confidentiality measures could improve overall data-sharing effectiveness. In terms of intelligence data utilization, opinions were mixed on training frequency (mean = 3.45) and officers' diagnostic abilities (mean = 3.63), underscoring the need for targeted training programs to strengthen intelligence application in crime prevention. The study recommends increasing recruitment to address personnel shortages, developing targeted intelligence training on data integrity and diagnostic skills, and implementing stricter data-sharing protocols to enhance confidentiality and security.
Description
Research Project Submitted to the School of Law,Arts and Socisl Sciences in Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of Master Degree in Security Science and Management Of Kenyatta University, March 2025
Supervisors:
1.Xavier Francis Ichani