Barriers to effective community policing: A case study of Kizingitini in Lamu County, Kenya

Martin Mwaka Mwanza

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.42

Authors

Martin Mwaka Mwanza RCrim (K) Egerton University, Kenya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2191-8593

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.42

Keywords:

Barriers to Reporting Crime, Extremist Influence, Community Partnership, Community Policing, Lamu, Police Image

Abstract

This study focused on the barriers to effective community policing in Kizingitini, Lamu County, Kenya. It was informed by the need to examine and address challenges in community policing, identify implementation constraints, assess public perception to inform future strategies, and ensure successful community involvement and security. Although numerous studies have been conducted on community policing, this study provides a detailed breakdown of barriers facing community policing specific to the Kizingitini area. The study sought to examine four major thematic areas: the image of the police and the trust between the community and the police, barriers to reporting crime, understanding and training in community policing, and extremist influence. The study adopted a case study research design anchored on the broken windows theory. The target population was the residents of Kizingitini area aged 18 years and above. The respondents were police officers, chiefs, community policing committee members, and Kizingitini residents who had been randomly selected from three villages in Kizingitini. The total sample size was seventy-three (73) respondents. Interview schedules and key informant interviews were used to gather data from the respondents. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data was analysed by interpreting the responses and aligning them with the four thematic areas. The findings indicated that barriers to community policing in Kizingitini included poor police image and public mistrust, lack of crime reporting, lack of training, poor understanding of community policing, and the influence of terrorist extremists. The study recommends training community policing committee members and police officers in community policing. It also recommends targeted police and community engagement activities, such as meetings and symposiums to discuss community issues and to find common solutions, as well as budgetary allocation from the national government to support community policing activities.

Author Biography

Martin Mwaka Mwanza RCrim (K), Egerton University, Kenya

Martin Mwaka Mwanza RCrim(K) is a senior police officer in the Kenya Police Service who has served for twenty-one years in the service. An alumnus of Egerton University with a Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Security Studies (Criminal and Forensic Investigations). I am also a member of the Professional Criminologists Association of Kenya.

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