Regulatory policy and its effects on performance of guards in private security companies in Kisumu County, Kenya
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Date
2022-11
Authors
Okech, Peter Deyas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta university
Abstract
Private security companies have steadily increased in number over time as a result of many factors including increased threats and the incapacity of governments to provide adequate security to the public. With the steady increase in numbers, policies are adopted with the aim of streamlining operations of private security companies to ensure they operate within the set parameters of the law. The study was therefore informed to look into the existing regulatory policy set by the government and their effects on the performance of guards in private security companies in Kisumu County, Kenya. The core objectives was to establish the effects of licensing requirements on the performance of guards in private security companies in Kisumu county, to explore the effects of compliance with the minimum wage on the performance of guards in private security companies in Kisumu county and to examine the effects of training of guards on the performance of private security companies in Kisumu. Performance of guards formed the dependent variable. The independent variables was licensing requirements, compliance with minimum wage and the training of guards. The study was anchored on two theories namely, Public interest theory and Fredrick Herzberg Two-Factor Theory. The target population was determined to be 2392 individuals from guards and individuals from the operations departments of security firms. Sample size of 239 respondents was drawn from the target population after using a blend of both stratified and simple random techniques. The study adopted a descriptive design with the use of semi structured questionnaires which was selfadministered. As a measure of validity of instrument, a pilot study was conducted. Reliability was ascertained using Cronbach‟s alpha test approach which yielded 0.98 which was determined as reliable. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed through the descriptive and inferential statistics Data was coded, formatted, and put forth using tables and figures. Data was presented in frequency distribution tables and percentages. Data was properly managed and stored to guarantee privacy and security. Multiple linear regression analysis was deployed to bring forth the relationship between the variables. Ethical considerations were guaranteed through respondents‟ anonymity and privacy after obtaining consent forms from respondents The study highlighted that most private security companies were operating illegally because of the weak enforcement of the regulatory policy on licensing. Further, the study revealed that it was easy to obtain a license and that many companies were not in compliance with licensing requirements. The study also revealed that most companies did not comply with the minimum wage despite existence of legislations. They also failed to pay guards on time and there was no indirect financial compensation. The guards were poorly trained, there were no periodic training and they solely relied on physical training done during induction. In general, the study established a positive relationship between the variables and concluded that other factors constant, a positive change in the independent variable would lead to a subsequent positive change in the dependent variable. The study recommended that the relevant government bodies to ensure strict compliance with licensing requirements. Further, the private security companies to pay the set minimum wage and training of guards to be done by fully accredited training institutions.
Description
A research project submitted to the school of Humanities and Social Sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master's Degree of Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, November, 2022
Keywords
Regulatory policy, performance, security companies, Kisumu County, Kenya