Effectiveness of Independent Policing Oversight Authority Mandate on Police Accountability and Transparency in Nakuru West Constituency, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

The study's general objective was establishing the effectiveness of Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on police accountability and transparency in Nakuru West Constituency, Nakuru County, Kenya. Specific objectives were to examine the efficiency of IPOA’s complaint handling process on reported cases of police misconduct, to evaluate IPOA strategies and regulations in enhancing police accountability and transparency, to examine the challenges faced by Independent Policing Oversight Authority in enhancing police accountability and transparency. The study was anchored on two theoretical frameworks: the Principal-Agent Theory and the Expectancy Motivation Theory. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Additionally, the study used quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect, analyze, present and discuss findings. The study targeted a population of 133 respondents including IPOA officers, police officers, and victims of police misconducts in Nakuru West Constituency, Nakuru County. A proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to randomly select respondents from the various targeted groups. The structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while qualitative data was collected using key informant guides through interview sessions. The Data analysis for descriptive and inferential statistics used SPSS version 27. The descriptive statistics the results were generated results through percentages, means and frequencies. The results were presented using frequency tables and charts. Thematic analysis was also done for the qualitative data generated from the key informant interviews. From regression analysis all independent variables had a positive and significant effect on the dependent variable; efficiency of IPOA complaint handling process on reported misconduct (p = 0.000) where the level of significance is 0.4290, the challenges of IPOA (p =0.000) where the level of significance was 0.280., IPOA strategies on law and code of conduct (p = 0.000) where the level of significance is 0.019, and police accountability and transparency. The findings confirm that IPOA has made a moderate but positive influence on police behavior and accountability. The findings confirm that IPOA has made a moderate but positive influence on police behavior and accountability. Policing of police stations was cited as having resulted in improved police responsiveness (M = 3.30), while incentives to top performers have made a moderate improvement in overall performance (M = 3.46). The reduction in abuse of power in inquiries (M = 3.69) and greater obedience to legislation and the code of conduct (average M = 3.33) are the testaments to IPOA's contribution to institutional change. However, there was still dissent about increased policing activity towards special interest groups (M = 2.36), low rates of public reporting being a significant barrier (M = 3.69), which aligns with the sentiments of key informants against low awareness and suspicion of complaint processes. Lack of connection between the police and the public (M = 3.65) also indicates accountability and transparency problems. These results, in conjunction with key informant interviews, highlight the necessity for enhanced public engagement, consistent ethical instruction, and transparent communication to develop IPOA's stake.