An Assessment of Police Culture on Career Progression of Female Police Officers in Nyeri County, Kenya
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Date
2025-04
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Women under-representation in the police service as well as their limited career progression opportunities is a global challenge. In Kenya, women make up a small percentage of the police service, and they face various challenges that may hinder their career advancement. This study sought to assess police culture and career progression of female police officers in Nyeri County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: to establish how male psyche influences deployment of female police officers in Nyeri County, Kenya; to identify the effects of warrior culture on the selection of female police officers for promotional courses in Nyeri County, Kenya; to find out how masculinity culture influences exposure of female police officers in operational roles in Nyeri County, Kenya; and to identify what best practices can be done to address gender discrimination to enhance progression of female police officers in Kenya. The study was guided by Feminist theory and the theory of tokenism. A descriptive survey design was used in carrying out this study. The target population was 1,352 police officers working in Nyeri County, Kenya. To obtain the participants of the study, stratified, purposive and simple random sampling were used. Solvin’s Formula was used to determine a sample size of 93 respondents. Questionnaires and interview guides were the main tools for collection of data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings showed that male psyche affects deployment of female police officers at 55.9%, warrior culture influences the selection of female police officers for promotional courses at 62%, while masculinity culture influences exposure of female police officers to operational roles at 59.3%. From qualitative data, the participants observed that female officers were not given equal opportunity as their male counterparts in operational areas denying the exposure that would give them job experiences that is important and considered in selection for promotion. This is despite the fact that both male and female officers undertake the same training to be enlisted in the police service. The study concludes that police culture in form of male psyche, warrior culture and masculinity culture impinges on career progression of female police officers. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the police organization reviews the gender blind policies and regulations, that seem to encourage male psyche, warrior culture and masculinity. This will provide gender equity in recruitment, training, deployment and promotion of police officers, to give them a conducive work environment, improve their productivity and enable them to progress in their careers.
Description
A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of The Requirements For The Award Of Master Of Science In Security And Strategic Studies In The School Of Law, Arts And Social Sciences Of Kenyatta University, April, 2025
Supervisor:
1.Ann Merecia Sirera