Effectiveness Of Independent Policing Oversight Authority In Enhancing Police Performance In Starehe, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

- The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in enhancing police performance in Starehe Division in Nairobi County, Kenya. The paper seeks to understand the role of IPOA and analyze how this citizen oversight body monitors police performance with a view of ensuring effectiveness and professionalism among police officers. Among the specific issues addressed in the paper are; first whether the measures used by IPOA influences work performance in the National Police Service (NPS). Secondly, the paper analyzes the effectiveness of the strategies that IPOA uses in enhancing the work performance of police officers. Thirdly, and finally, the paper analyzes how IPOA has promoted accountability among police officers in the NPS. The paper, which is based on a descriptive survey research design, targeted about 500 police officers working in Starehe Division within Nairobi City. The key respondents were drawn from the Kenya police service, IPOA, and internal affairs unit. A stratified sampling technique was employed to select the respondents from the selected categories. From the sample, data was collected using questionnaires and structured interviews. Secondary data for the paper was gathered from the various libraries around Nairobi. From the findings of the of the study, the paper reveals that the existence of IPOA enhanced performance of the police by holding them accountable for their actions. It was further noted