Factors affecting the implementation of the disability policy in the National Police Service in Kenya

Abstract

“The implementation of the disability policy within Kenya’s National Police Service faces major challenges despite legal frameworks promoting inclusivity. Laws such as the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the Persons with Disabilities Act (2003) provide guidelines for recruiting and accommodating officers with disabilities. However, systemic barriers have hindered progress, with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities reporting that, as of 2021, less than 2% of police officers had disabilities, far below the 5% employment requirement. Therefore, the study sought to examine factors impacting the implementation of disability policy in the National Police Service in Kenya. The study sought to assess the adequacy of resources in the implementation of the disability policy. Specifically, the study focused on the adequacy of resources in the implementation of the disability policy, administration factors influencing the implementation of the disability policy, awareness of the officers with respect to the disability policy and data-driven decisions in the implementation of the disability policy. The study was anchored on Resource Dependency Theory, Administrative Behavior Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Evidence-Based Policy Theory. It adopted a mixed research design. The target population comprised 70 employees at the National Police Commission Headquarters in Nairobi and 109,857 police officers. The study employed a census technique to incorporate 70 employees at the National Police Commission Headquarters and used Nassiuma’s formula to determine a sample size of 156 police officers. In addition, the researcher randomly selected 156 officers across different police stations within Nairobi County. The study collected primary data using questionnaires and interview schedules. Questionnaires were used to gather data from police officers, while interview schedules were employed to collect data from commission employees. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyze the quantitative data. Descriptive data was assessed through frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Inferential analysis was conducted using regression and correlation. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form, while quantitative findings were displayed in tables. The study found out that there is a significant negative correlation between adequacy of resources and implementation of the disability policy. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between administration factors and implementation of the disability policy. The study found there is a significant positive correlation between awareness of the officers and implementation of the disability policy. The study recommended that the National Police Service should enhance training and awareness on disability policies and rights among officers at all levels. The study also recommended that NPS improve accessibility within police stations and other work environments.” Key words: Implementation of the disability policy, adequacy of resources, administration factors, awareness of the officers, data driven decisions and national police service.