COMMUNITY POLICING AND ITS EFFECTS ON MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER IN KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

A CASE OF NYUMBA KUMI INITIATIVE

Abstract

Security in Mutitu Sub-county has not been as desired due to different conflicts. Despite the adoption and implementation of community policing, and subsequently the ‘nyumba kumi’ initiative to curb the vice at the grassroots level, insecurity is still taunting locals. This study aimed to establish the initiative's put in place and their effect maintaining public order by Nyumba Kumi Initiative. The objectives of the study were two: to determine the effect of conflict mitigation strategies and stakeholder participation at the Nyumba Kumi level on maintaining public order in the sub-county. The study adopted a descriptive research design that utilized semi-structured questionnaires to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The stakeholders involved in the Nyumba Kumi initiative were targeted, and a sample of 108 was utilized, drawn from village elders, nyumba kumi officials, National government administrative officers, and the members of the national police service. The study found that alternative dispute resolution techniques were used to mitigate conflicts in the sub-county. It was done through mediation, negotiation, and arbitration. It was also noted that, the members of the general public were not open to consulting with the members of the security due to fear, and the key method of public participation was through public barazas.