Groundbreaking Study Identifies Key Areas for Successful Implementation
A comprehensive study addressing the critical gap in child protection within the National Police Service of Kenya has led to the initiation of an overseas program aimed at enhancing the capability of law enforcement officers in handling child protection issues.
The research, conducted by a team of experts, highlighted the prevalence of child protection issues across Kenya, compounded by concerns about corruption, cultural rationalization, and potential shortcomings in existing law enforcement practices. The absence of a dedicated child protection department within the Kenyan law enforcement system prompted the need for urgent intervention.
The objective of the study was to explore the establishment of an overseas initiative designed to support the development of a child protection function within the National Police Service of Kenya. The research also aimed to analyze the conditions essential for the successful implementation of such a project.
The study, conducted in Kenya, involved 15 face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders, including 10 Kenyan Police Child Protection Officers and 5 National Crime Agency (NCA) officers who played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the unit. The semi-structured interviews drew on existing literature related to overseas support and child protection in Kenya.
The findings underscored the importance of focusing on three key areas when building child protection capabilities overseas. Firstly, there is a need to tailor an understanding of the culture and operating environment specific to the context. Secondly, understanding the current and potential capabilities within the given context is crucial. Lastly, obtaining leadership and governance support from relevant stakeholders, both internally and externally, is deemed essential for the success of the initiative.
“These themes provide a solid foundation for the development of international best practices for the establishment of child protection policing functions overseas,” stated Lydia Davenport, lead researcher of the study.
The initiative is seen as a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges surrounding child protection in Kenya, with the potential to serve as a model for other countries facing similar issues. The collaborative effort between Kenyan Police and the National Crime Agency marks a milestone in fostering a safer environment for children and signifies a commitment to building a robust child protection framework within law enforcement.
Credit: www.sciencedirect.com