Community Policing in Crime Management in Ongata Rongai, Kenya

Abstract

Community policing is an approach to policing that brings together the police and local communities to develop local solutions to safety and security concerns. This study sought to assess community policing in crime management in OngataRongai, Kajiado County. The study was guided by three specific objectives; to examine community policing partnerships, to analyze crime intervention techniques and to identify organizational features in crime management in OngataRongai. Broken Windows ‘Theory’ of Crime was applied in addressing the theoretical background of the study as well as linking it to the study objectives. Descriptive research design was used as the methodology for carrying out research. The target population for this study comprised Kenya National Police Service, State officers from the Ministry of Interior, Government policing agencies, and stakeholders from Religious groups Community-Based Organizations, civil society organizations, business community, the private security industry, the media, Non-Governmental Organizations, special needs groups, educational institutions, youth and women’s organizations. Purposive sampling was utilized and the sample size was 100 respondents. The study used questionnaires, guided interview schedules, telephone interviews and focused group discussions. A total of 3 Focus Group Discussions and 4 key informant interviews were conducted. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were determined by conducting a pilot study in the adjacent sub-county of Ngong. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was presented through content analysis as obtained from the field exercise. The major findings of the study include; the existing partnerships were not effective due to lack of trust and interest between the police and members of public to CP program in OngataRongai; the introduction of flood lights, mulika platform, marking/naming of streets, regular foot and mobile patrols, KaziMtaani Programmes, installation of CCTV Cameras and zoning of areas had enhanced safety and security by positively contributing to a decrease in crime; LEMELEPO, Ole Kassasi, and OngataRongai CBOs had assisted to bring down levels of crime. These were some of the key recommendations; The police should cultivate a culture of partnership with members of the public by identifying and striving to overcome the problem of long-standing mutual mistrust and suspicion; the government should ensure the police are equipped adequately with the necessary logistics, training, terms and conditions of service and facilitation to enable the them discharge their mandate effectively; members of public should be sensitised on the importance of having good relationship with the police and providing information concerning insecurity and other forms of crime; and lastly the government should create an enabling environment for the conduct of business in the country to prevent the youth from engaging in criminal activities.