Authors :
Evans Momanyi Getembe
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3ffc2b2t
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/yweakext
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14576717
Abstract :
This study explores the critical role of the police service as a security function in fostering socio-economic development
in Kenya. Security is fundamental to economic growth and social stability, influencing key sectors such as trade, tourism,
education, and health. The research focuses on how the police maintain law and order, deter crime, foster community
engagement, and resolve conflicts to create a conducive environment for development.
The findings highlight that effective policing contributes significantly to reducing crime rates, ensuring safety, and
building public trust, which are essential for attracting investments and facilitating economic activities. Additionally, the
police play a vital role in conflict management and fostering peaceful coexistence within communities, which are essential
for maintaining stability. This, in turn, creates an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and social services to
function effectively, thereby enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
However, the study also identifies challenges that limit the police's ability to maximize their impact on socio-economic
progress. These include resource inadequacies, corruption, insufficient training, and strained police-community
relationships. Addressing these issues requires reforms such as strengthening accountability mechanisms, improving
professional standards, and fostering partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the public.
Ultimately, the study emphasizes that the police are more than just enforcers of the law; they are pivotal enablers of
development. Their effectiveness directly influences Kenya's capacity to achieve its socio-economic goals, underscoring the
importance of security as a cornerstone of national development.
References :
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This study explores the critical role of the police service as a security function in fostering socio-economic development
in Kenya. Security is fundamental to economic growth and social stability, influencing key sectors such as trade, tourism,
education, and health. The research focuses on how the police maintain law and order, deter crime, foster community
engagement, and resolve conflicts to create a conducive environment for development.
The findings highlight that effective policing contributes significantly to reducing crime rates, ensuring safety, and
building public trust, which are essential for attracting investments and facilitating economic activities. Additionally, the
police play a vital role in conflict management and fostering peaceful coexistence within communities, which are essential
for maintaining stability. This, in turn, creates an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and social services to
function effectively, thereby enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
However, the study also identifies challenges that limit the police's ability to maximize their impact on socio-economic
progress. These include resource inadequacies, corruption, insufficient training, and strained police-community
relationships. Addressing these issues requires reforms such as strengthening accountability mechanisms, improving
professional standards, and fostering partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the public.
Ultimately, the study emphasizes that the police are more than just enforcers of the law; they are pivotal enablers of
development. Their effectiveness directly influences Kenya's capacity to achieve its socio-economic goals, underscoring the
importance of security as a cornerstone of national development.