Effect of Implementation of Change Management Strategies on Performance of Kenya Police Service In Limuru Sub-County

Abstract

The negative effects of the 2007/2008 post-election violence and the promulgation of the Kenyan constitution in 2010 prompted the need for change and implementation of reforms in the Kenya Police Service (KPS). However, the performance of the Kenya Police Service has been a challenge despite the continued implementation of reforms, as noted in the Transparency International survey, Kenya. The Kenyan government, therefore, noted that Kenya police service plays a big role in sustainable economic growth and proposed major reforms that strategically placed the security sector in a position to bring governance, justice, law and order in all sectors. This study focused on the general objective of how change implementation strategies affect the performance of the Kenya police service. The study was focused on the objectives of how capacity development, stakeholder engagement, and communication affect performance in Kenya police service. The study focused on the performance of the Kenya Police Service in Limuru Sub-County. The study was anchored on Kotter’s eight-step change model, Kurt Lewin’s three-step change model, and stakeholder theory. A census survey was carried out by the researcher while adopting an explanatory research design. The target population was all police officers of the rank of corporal and above within Limuru Sub-County. Data collection was done using semi-structured questionnaires. The researcher used the drop-off and pick method to deliver and collect questionnaires. Coding was facilitated with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 28. The unit of analysis was 52 Kenya police officers’ senior in rank within Limuru Sub-County, Kenya. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics comprised of mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics was executed using multiple linear regression analysis. Data was presented in the form of tables and figures. The findings of the study showed that capacity development, stakeholder engagement and communication had a positive significant effect on the performance. The study established that change implementation strategies have a positive significant effect on performance of the Kenya police service. The findings of the study showed that capacity development, stakeholder engagement and communication have an implication on organizational performance. The study recommends delegation of duties and improvement of working conditions in the police service in terms of housing, remuneration and equipment. The study also recommends effective communication and the development of policies that align police work to citizen needs.