WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND ITS INFLUENCE IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS AMONG NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE OFFICERS IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

MARTIN MATI MUSAU; WELDON KIBET NG’ENO

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v5i1.247

MARTIN MATI MUSAU Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration, School Of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
WELDON KIBET NG’ENO, PhD Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v5i1.247

Keywords: Gender, Disability, Age Group, Education, Diversity

Abstract

This study assessed the influence of gender in career development decisions among National Police Service officers in the Kenya Police Service, determined the influence of disability in career development decisions among National Police Service officers in the Kenya Police Service, established the influence of age in career development decisions among National Police Service officers in the NPS, and established the influence of education in career development decisions among NPS officers in the Kenya Police Service. This was conducted within the context of Laikipia County. Social Career Cognitive Theory, Similarity/Attractive Theory, and Agency Theory informed the study. The research employed a descriptive survey study method. The target population for this study comprised all 616 police officers in all the 5 police sub-counties, encompassing a total of 7 police stations and 67 police posts. The sample size was 278 respondents, which was determined using Naissuma's (2000) formula after stratifying the total population into 5 sub-counties. The study employed semi-structured questionnaires containing both open and closed-ended questions to gather comprehensive insights into the research questions. The collected data underwent a thorough process to ensure accuracy and facilitate analysis. A pilot study was carried out in Kiambu County using 15 (10% of the sample) police officers before collecting the actual data. This served to test and guarantee the validity and reliability of the research instruments. The research applied both qualitative and quantitative data. Both inferential and comparative descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. To summarize the data, descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviation, and frequencies were used. The study found that an increase in the proportion of female officers significantly affects career development decisions, indicating the importance of gender diversity in promoting career advancement opportunities within the NPS. Officers with disabilities also have a considerable influence on career development decisions, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and accommodation for officers with disabilities in fostering career progression opportunities within the NPS. Age diversity significantly affects career development decisions, with younger officers being particularly influential. Higher educational attainment among officers significantly impacts career development decisions, emphasizing the significance of educational background in job performance and career advancement within the NPS.

Author Biographies

MARTIN MATI MUSAU, Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration, School Of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration, School Of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya

WELDON KIBET NG’ENO, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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