The Correlation between Motor Vehicle Lease Program and the Efficiency of Police Operations in Kayole Sub County, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the link between motor vehicle lease program for police and the efficiency of police operations in the Kayole Sub County of Nairobi County. The study conceptualises that motor vehicle lease program indicated by number of vehicles, quality of vehicles and type of vehicles leads to efficiency in police operations as shown by reduction in crime incidences, public safety and reduced fear of crime among others. This study used the descriptive survey design. Data was collected from 196 respondents sampled from 400 respondents. These were sampled using the using stratified proportionate sampling technique. The rationale behind the choice of Kayole Sub County was owing to its being rated as a crime hot spot. This study used interviews, questionnaires and focused group discussions methods for data collection. The study analyzed quantitative data using quantitative analysis methods while qualitative data was analyzed using qualitative data analysis methods, triangulation method. The findings show that there is a link between motor vehicle lease program and efficiency of police operation where increase in utilisation of leased motor vehicle would increase the efficiency of police operation. It was thus necessary to have enough and astute vehicle that could enhance the ability of vehicles to dispense their duties with ease. This is pertinent since this can enable their efficiency. Various policy recommendation were made. To begin with, the study recommends that the Kenya police service should ensure increased use of motor vehicle lease program which has been established as enhancing efficiency of police operations in Kenya.  There is need to improve response time and visible presence of the police using new police vehicles, so as further improve on their service delivery.  The Kenya service should actively adopt motor vehicle lease program to enhance efficiency and effective use of resources and considerably reduce operational costs. This would provide a competitive edge by increasing productivity and reducing waste.  Additionally, the Kenya police service should provide regular training of its procurement officer about the leasing program essentials for proper motor vehicle lease program arrangement that would optimise benefits from the program. There is also the need for changing the legal and institutional framework to strengthen the laws and regulations on leasing to spur the development of leasing in the country.