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Barriers to Effective Community Policing in Kenya: Case of Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County

Mbatha N. Januaris Orwa T. N. Odhiambo

Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities  ·  Area of research: Public Administration and Governance

DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I5-1712051

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of community policing in enhancing security in Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County. Community policing, a partnership between the police and the public, seeks to address local security challenges and improve community well-being. The study aimed to evaluate barriers to effective community policing in the area. Guided by Social Structure Theory and Normative Sponsorship Theory, a descriptive research design was adopted, using both qualitative and quantitative methods through interviews and questionnaires. The target population comprised 710 respondents, including households, community policing members, and National Police Service officers. Findings revealed that inadequate funding significantly limits key activities such as patrols, training, and crime prevention. The study concludes that weak police-community relations, mistrust, poor accessibility, and resource constraints undermine the success of community policing. It recommends enhanced funding, trust-building measures, and stronger collaboration to improve security outcomes in Ilngarua Location and similar contexts.

Keywords

Barriers, Collaboration, Community Policing, Nyumba Kumi, Partnership, Public Trust, Resilience

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How to cite this paper

Mbatha N. Januaris, Orwa T. N. Odhiambo "Barriers to Effective Community Policing in Kenya: Case of Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 5 2025 Page 1232-1249 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712051
Mbatha N. Januaris, Orwa T. N. Odhiambo "Barriers to Effective Community Policing in Kenya: Case of Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 5, Nov. 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712051
Mbatha N. Januaris, Orwa T. N. Odhiambo (2025). Barriers to Effective Community Policing in Kenya: Case of Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(5). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712051
Mbatha N. Januaris, Orwa T. N. Odhiambo "Barriers to Effective Community Policing in Kenya: Case of Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 5, Nov. 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712051
@article{1712051,
      author = {Mbatha N. Januaris, Orwa T. N. Odhiambo},
      title = {Barriers to Effective Community Policing in Kenya: Case of Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {5},
      pages = {1232-1249},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1712051.pdf},
      abstract = {This study examined the effectiveness of community policing in enhancing security in Ilngarua Location, Marigat Sub-County. Community policing, a partnership between the police and the public, seeks to address local security challenges and improve community well-being. The study aimed to evaluate barriers to effective community policing in the area. Guided by Social Structure Theory and Normative Sponsorship Theory, a descriptive research design was adopted, using both qualitative and quantitative methods through interviews and questionnaires. The target population comprised 710 respondents, including households, community policing members, and National Police Service officers. Findings revealed that inadequate funding significantly limits key activities such as patrols, training, and crime prevention. The study concludes that weak police-community relations, mistrust, poor accessibility, and resource constraints undermine the success of community policing. It recommends enhanced funding, trust-building measures, and stronger collaboration to improve security outcomes in Ilngarua Location and similar contexts.},
      keywords = {Barriers, Collaboration, Community Policing, Nyumba Kumi, Partnership, Public Trust, Resilience},
      month = {November},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712051}
  }