Influence of Improved Police Welfare Reforms on National Security In Kenya

The main goal of this research study was to assess the influence of improved police welfare reforms on national security in Kenya. The study was anchored on three objectives; To examine the influence of better living conditions on addressing national security; To assess the influence of better remuneration on addressing national security; and to determine the influence of enhanced access to healthcare of police officers on addressing national security. The study utilized Kurt Lewin’s theory of change to explain the progress and difficulties of police reforms. The theory argues that, change happens in three stages, namely: “unfreeze, change, and refreeze” and the components that drive things towards equilibrium or the status quo are present in each stage. A descriptive research design was utilized to enable the researcher to explain the rationale, justification, adoption, implementation and challenges inherent to police reforms in addressing national security. The findings reveal that, there exist a constructive connection between the improved police housing and improved service delivery among the officers of NPS. A better housing program for the National Police Service was a necessary component of the security sector reforms, which has a positive dividend on the national security. In addition, spacious and quality housing boosts police morale and this contributes to better service. Police compensation is an important factor in raising job satisfaction, which is crucial for police productivity. Indeed, improved services as well as living conditions played important roles in the performance of police officers. This boosted their morale and motivation to improve their overall performance. The study findings further revealed that, improved access to healthcare among the National Police Service Officers had a constructive effect on the performance of police and on national security. The establishment of a comprehensive insurance cover for the National Police Service (NPS) by a consortium of three insurance companies had the implication of boosting the morale of the police officers which improved the national security. Provision of mental healthcare among the police officers contributes to improved performance of police officers which translates to enhanced national security. Generally, the findings established that; the overall performance of NPS Officers improved with access to healthcare, equipment and mental fitness. In this regard the study recommends that, the NPC should review the delocalization policy; police officers should be deployed in their home areas, so they may have homes within their home areas. The NPSC should also avail a comprehensive health insurance cover to all NPS officers and their dependents. The study also recommends for recruitment of more professional psychiatrics or counselors in all police divisions country-wide. This policy will facilitate curbing of the increasing incidents of NPS officer’s suicide cases, murders and other crimes recently appearing in news media.