Assessing the contribution of police reforms to security in Marsabit County, Kenya
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Date
2024-06
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Marsabit County in northern Kenya faces high levels of insecurity, despite the implementation of comprehensive police reforms in Kenya's 2010 Constitution. The study examines the impact of these reforms on national security, assesses their success, and evaluates strategies to improve police reforms to enhance national security in the county. The researcher described police reforms and their impact on safety using Kotter's theory of change. The researcher organized and conducted this study using an overarching descriptive research strategy. The study took place in Marsabit County, where there has been an increase in crime, violence and insecurity since the beginning of decentralization and the county is now being prevented from developing economically, socially and politically. Marsabit County has approximately 1,500 police officers at various ranks and levels; the researcher interviewed 150 people using a questionnaire and an interview guide to obtain a representative sample. Topics and content helped analyse qualitative data, while the SPSS program analysed quantitative data. The data was presented using numbers and narratives. The study highlighted the need for police reform to address regional security issues. In response to this urgency, police officers and stakeholders formed a coalition to emphasize the importance of collaboration on reforms. The report also highlighted the need for a clear vision and effective communication to guide the reform process to promote transparency, trust and understanding among stakeholders. It also emphasized the need to equip police officers, recognize short-term successes and embed these improvements into the culture of the police force. The results showed that institutionalizing these reforms will strengthen the national security of Marsabit County. A study in Marsabit County, Kenya, found that addressing regional security challenges requires significant adjustments to police forces. It emphasized the importance of understanding and acknowledging security concerns. A steering coalition demonstrated the collaborative nature of reform activities, with coalition leadership and support crucial for coordinating and strengthening national security. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive police reforms for solving security issues in Marsabit County. It suggests collaboration with police and community stakeholders, focusing on training and capacity building for officers, especially in community-based policing, to improve regional security. The study also emphasizes tailoring strategies to address unique security concerns, emphasizing local dynamics and stakeholder engagement in security solutions
Description
A project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of master of science in security and strategic studies in the school of law, arts and social sciences of Kenyatta University, June, 2024
Supervisor Caroline Wandiri Mwea