Role of social media on security management: a case of the Kenya National Police Service Kilimani and Dagoretti Police Divisions

Abstract

There are many aspects that have given rise to the usage of social media in Kenya today such as smart phones and internet connectivity. The availability of cheap digital mobile devices, wide coverage of internet connectivity by various network providers and variety of digital content are some of the main reasons for increased social media usage. Social media platforms have been used to fuel and quench violence or riots in different ways. Therefore, the National Police Service and other security agencies must monitor the social media platforms and analyse their dynamics so as not to be caught unaware in case of offensive usage of social media by criminals and terrorists. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of social media on security management in Kenya. The objectives of this study were to analyse the use and effectiveness of using social media in Security Management, to evaluate security challenges posed by Social Media technologies in Security Management, to investigate the policies that guide NPS in using social media for Security Management. The study employed collective approach theory and social responsibility theory. The study employed descriptive research design where 188 police officers formed sample size in police stations within Kilimani and Dagoretti Police Divisions through proportionate sampling. The empirical data was collected by use of questionnaires while secondary data was gathered from existing literature both print and non-print. Professional advice was sought on data collection instrument to ensure their validity while Cronbach alpha score was used ensure reliability. Quantitative data was analysed using the SPSS output for descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed thematically as per study objectives. The study established that Social Media was greatly used in information dissemination, creating public awareness, crime reporting and intelligence gathering. Lack of digital infrastructure and training were the main challenges encountered by police officers as far as SM was concerned. Existing policies were not well understood and insufficient in convictions of SM offenders. The study recommended additional funding NPS to aid in acquisition of advance digital technologies to boost already existing infrastructure. The study also recommended in-house training of officers on dynamics of social media, tools and on policies.