Assessing Operational Effectiveness of Civilian Oversight in Upholding Police Accountability in Kenya: A Case of Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

Abstract

The issue of police accountability has become a huge concern in global governance, touching the core of democratic principles and human rights. However, the effectiveness of such civilian oversight mechanisms demands meticulous evaluation to ensure that they fulfil their intended purpose. The purpose of this research was to investigate the operational effectiveness of civilian oversight on police accountability in Kenya using IPOA in Kenya. The study specifically sought to assess the operational effectiveness of IPOA in enhancing police accountability in Kenya; assessed the IPOA intervention strategies in promoting police accountability in Kenya; examine challenges that hinder effective civilian oversight policing in Kenya by IPOA and finally determine the strategies that could be adopted by civilian oversight policing agency in improving police accountability in Kenya. This study was anchored on deterrence theory, broken window theory and home rule theory. This study adopted descriptive research design since it is the most reliable in investigating the link between two or more variables. The population of this study was 300 staff of IPOA, from Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kakamega, Meru, Nyeri and Garissa. The study sample included. In addition to the 75 respondents, 10 KIIs which were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews. This study relied on primary data that was collected using interview schedule and Key Informants Interview guide. The study found that IPOA has been able to handle a significant number of cases reported by the public. However, the number of cases processed remains low compared to the total number of complaints lodged due to resource constraints, staffing shortages, and lack of cooperation from police officers. The study revealed that resource constraints was the main challenge affecting IPOA to a very large extent. Inadequate funding, insufficient staffing, and lack of modern technology hinder IPOA’s ability to handle cases promptly and thoroughly investigate complaints. On strategies that could be adopted by civilian oversight policing agencies to improve police accountability, the study finding showed that IPOA should actively pursued donor funding to supplement government allocations. The study suggests that IPOA should continue lobbying for more resources from both the government and development partners to expand its operations. Public sensitization was also identified as a key strategy to encourage citizens to report police misconduct and understand their rights. The authority's ability to resolve complaints in a timely manner and conduct thorough investigations is hampered by resource constraints and non-cooperation from the National Police Service (NPS). The government should prioritize increasing funding and resources for IPOA to enable it to effectively execute its mandate.