Parmeres Askah J2025-09-152025-09-152023https://repository.ndu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/168Throughout the course of history, there has been persistent exacerbation of the predicament face by civilians worldwide due the widespread and unlawful proliferation of illicit firearms, which remains a threat to the maintenance of global peace and security. The prevalence of violence and crime continue to pose a significant and enduring challenge to progress and growth everywhere, but especially in metropolitan areas. Notably, the prevalence of illicit firearms derails the fulfilment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Target 16.4 of Objective 16, which aims to stop the flow of illegal weapons and combat organized crime. Since the SDGs are interrelated, attaining this Objective will advance the achievement of the other SDGs. The widespread circulation of illegal weapons poses a severe threat to Kenya's national security as well as the protection of its citizens. Community policing (CP) has become a crucial strategy in tackling the proliferation of illicit arms, even though law enforcement organizations are responsible for doing so. In order to improve human security, CP places a strong emphasis on collaborative relationships between the community and law enforcement agencies. In several countries around the world, including Kenya, the campaign has proved effective in lowering crime rates. CP’s efficacy in stopping the spread of illegal armaments, however, is not well-known. From the foregoing, the study set to explore the potential of CP as a strategy to effectively address the issue of illicit arms proliferation in Kenya, with a specific focus on Kibra Sub-County in Nairobi County. This study aims to add to new knowledge to fill in the gaps with regards to the precise manner in which CP can be utilized to promote an illicit gun-free society in Kenya. In its three objectives, the study analyzed CP's contribution to the discovery of illegal weapons, evaluated CP's involvement in the hunt for illegal weapons and assessed its participation in breaking up illegal arms gangs in Kibra Sub-County. This research used systems theory, credited to Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1901-1972), to explain the manner in which communitypolice relations impact on the efficacy of CP as a strategy for contending with illicit arms problem. The project utilized an exploratory survey as the study design. This research employed both qualitative and quantitative study approaches, thus allow the research to gather a mix of primary and secondary data. Using key informant interviews and survey questionnaires, the primary data were gathered from the study's population, comprising Police officers, CP cluster heads, and National Government Administrative Officials in Kibra Sub-County. The quantitative data were examined using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, and the qualitative data were reviewed thematically and descriptively, and later documented in form of bar graphs, pie charts, tables, and narratives. Findings from the study indicate that Police officers in Kibra Sub-County face significant challenges in detecting and investigating illegal arms, as well as disrupting illicit weapons’ cartels. The study also reveals that the effectiveness of CP has been hampered by inadequate integration and coordination among relevant stakeholders as well as strained relationships between the police and the general public. The study concludes that CP is at the centre of curbing illegal arms proliferations in Kibra, albeit the inherent challenges. As such, the detection and investigation of illegal SALWs as well as disruption on of illicit arms cartels in Kibra Sub-County heavily relies on police and public cooperation. This study recommends that addressing the challenges such as poor integration, strained police-community relationships, and limited resources and public awareness is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of CP in preventing the spread of illegal firearms. Additionally, the study recommends the implementation of reforms within the security sector to support CP efforts. By actively involving and empowering the community, CP can foster trust and cooperation, thereby making significant progress in tackling illicit arms proliferation and enhancing overall safety and security in Kibra.enThesis