ABSTRACT

There is scanty data that shows the influence of devolved administration on crime reduction, social harmony and dealing with anti-social behaviour at the sub-county level within Kenya in general and particularly in Laikipia County. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of devolved county administration initiatives on maintenance of law and order in Laikipia County, Kenya. The study objectives were to examine the effect of devolved administration on crime reduction in Laikipia County, to determine the effect of devolved administration in dealing with anti-social activities in Laikipia County, to examine the effect of devolved units in promoting social harmony in Laikipia County and to assess the moderating effect of the legal framework on maintenance of law and order in Laikipia County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and was based on three theories: Luther Gulick and Lyndall Urwick Classical Theory of Management, broken windows theory, by Wilson and Kelling (1982) and the socio-legal theory by Schiff (1972). The study location was Laikipia County in which the target population was 130 individuals who are in touch with maintenance of law and order in the county. The study used a questionnaire to obtain primary data from enforcement officers, Sub-county Administrator, Ward Administrators, Sub-county Commissioners, Chiefs, Police Officer in Command of a Station (OCS) and the children’s desk officers at the Police stations. Interview schedule was used to obtain primary data where the key informants comprised of County Director of Safety and Enforcement, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of administration and public service and the Regional County Commissioner (RCC). A pilot study was conducted before the actual data was collected to improve on the validity and reliability of the survey instrument. A computer program, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used in handling descriptive and inferential statistical analysis for quantitative data whose results were presented in frequency and percentage tables. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and the results used to supplement interpretation of quantitative data. The study revealed that the county administration does not provide opportunities for the members of the public to report crime, and does not encourage public participation on matters affecting the public. The county government also doesn’t support formation of social groups for purposes of promoting social values and is not involved in reconciliation of conflicting communities. It also does not regulate eateries such as hotels and all places where food is sold but allows food to be sold from unhygienic places and does not manage Public Transport and fails to do sufficient check-up before granting trading license. It has also not campaigned against illicit alcohol consumption and does not ensure that no alcohol selling places are located near schools or within residential areas. It is also not proactive in ensuring illicit drugs are not abused in the county it does not control rebellious and organized gang groups that are a potential hindrance to social orders. The existing laws are not supportive enough for the county government to maintain law and order and there is great need to relook at the existing policies that inform the county government’s role of maintaining law and order. This study can be used to provide insight to the policy implementers in the country on matters of devolution and its role on maintaining law and order. It is relevant to officials in the ministry of devolution, those in the county government that oversee the administration of the devolved units and those involved in the direct administration of the sub-counties.