DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE OF NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE IN KENYA

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Published May 17, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.61426/business.v7i1.518

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DONALD MWACHOFI MWAZIGHE
Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
PAUL KARIUKI, PhD
Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
ANNE MARIE WAIRIMU MUNGAI, PhD
Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
PETER WANJOHI, PhD
Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Abstract

The public is interested in and concerned about the performance of the National Police Service because security-related issues persist in Kenya despite the government's promise to reforming the security sector. This study examined the effect of democratic leadership on performance of the National Police Service in Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design guided by positivism research philosophy. The study targeted 1,437 gazetted officers and four civil society organizations, from which 314 respondents were sampled using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28. A pilot study was conducted with 31 senior police officers and validity results showed that the content of the questionnaire was valid as approved by professionals, while reliability results confirmed internal consistency of the research instruments. Descriptive analysis revealed moderate to high levels of agreement among senior officers, with democratic leadership rated most favorably. Qualitative findings highlighted that while officers value inclusive leadership and collaborative decision-making, implementation remains inconsistent across ranks and regions. Inferential analysis confirmed that democratic leadership significantly influences the performance of the National Police Service in Kenya and emerged as the strongest predictor of performance. Multiple regression established that leadership practices explained a substantial proportion of the variance in police performance, while hierarchical regression demonstrated that security sector reforms amplified the impact of democratic leadership. Overall, democratic leadership and structured reforms were seen as essential drivers of improved police performance.

Article Details

Issue
Vol 7 No 1 (2026)
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

DONALD MWACHOFI MWAZIGHE, Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

PAUL KARIUKI, PhD, Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

ANNE MARIE WAIRIMU MUNGAI, PhD, Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

PETER WANJOHI, PhD, Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

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