Antecedents of Occupational Safety and Health among Police Officers in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study focused on antecedents of occupational, safety and health (OSH) among the police officers in Nairobi County in Kenya. The general objective of the study was to find out the antecedents of occupational, safety, and health of police officers in Kenya. Data was collected from police officers who were the main study population. The study chose Nairobi County where all the police stations were covered. The target population was 4,000 police officers that included commanding officers to have a sample size of 200. They were sampled through stratified random sampling. First a pilot test 10% of all 33 police stations in Nairobi and the police officers there in were initially used. The pilot study used Cronbach Alpha Coefficient to test on the reliability of instruments. The validity of the research instruments was also tested. The computer software SPSS version 28 was used to analyze the collected data. Out of the police stations that had remained, a sample of 5 percent of police officers and a commanding officer in each station were studied. Data from the respondents were collected by the use of questionnaires. The study was carried out on police officers who were on duty but after permits had been obtained from the relevant authorities, National Police Service (NPS) and National Commission Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). It was based on a stratified random sampling research method where each officer had a chance of being chosen. Every officer commanding a police station was selected. Each respondent was requested to confirm in writing, affirmative action or signing a document without indicating their name to show that the study was done with their approval. The filled questionnaires were collected and kept with confidence. Through these modes of data collection, every population was well represented as a sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. Data was then presented in the form of figures, tables and charts. The response rate of the respondents was acceptable. It was found out that majority of the police officers had worked in the NPS for many years and were married. Four of the leading variables in this study that affect OSH were leadership style, legal framework, work environment and available resources. It was found out that majority of the leaders of police officers were visionary, valued the constitution and see it as a protector and supporter of their OSH. They see Kenya Human Rights and OSHA respectively as valuable Acts. In their work environment, many police officers were aware that they face risks during political rallies. On the other hand, majority of them consider available resources like government equipment; guns do affect their OSH. Majority of police officers, were of the view that government policies, practices and procedures are helpful to them during emergencies. It is recommended that police officers are availed sufficient safety gear in terms of personal protection equipment for their safety and health while at work. They should also be provided with comprehensive medical cover to help them in terms of need as they perform their duties in securing the nation. They should also be availed some counselors to help those who are stressed up. Through this, we shall reduce incidences of police killings and suicides among them. Their population ratio should be improved to meet the international standards for them to efficiently perform their duties.