ABSTRACT
The problem of employment among the youth is a challenge that affects their livelihoods. After one has attained the age of majority (over 18 years) and has basic education, what one carries is a hope of getting gainful employment. Employment gives young people hope, stability, identity, a sense of belonging and an opportunity to settle down in life. The reason for this study was to investigate the ramifications of regional politics on youth employment in the police service: An instance of Laikipia County. The research was guided by the following particular objectives: identify the criteria of youth choice and recruitment in the police service; establish how the numbers are distributed throughout the county; identify challenges faced in getting qualified recruits and to find out a better strategy for recruiting and hiring of the youth into the police service. The study was guided by descriptive design which was complimented by exploratory research design. The target populations were 384 people, sample sizes were 183 people and the sampling technique were both purposive and simple random sampling. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as research instruments in this study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics e.g. averages, mean, standard deviation etc. while qualitative data was analyzed according to themes and patterns formed. The expected results will help in the non-biased recruitment, avoid nepotism and help get a better strategy of youth recruitment in police service in Laikipia County. This study was based on new public management theory conceptualized by Hood (1991). It was conducted through a descriptive research design to answer questions that have been raised, to solve problem that have been posed or observed. The target population consisted of senior police commanders, support staff, High School Heads, Youths, parents and Area Chiefs and sub-chiefs (informants) in Laikipia County. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as the main tools of data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage, median, standard deviation and range and qualitative data was analyzed using the formed themes and pattern. The expected results were to enhance strategies that would ensure effectiveness during selection and recruitment of youth into the police service. The study found out that regional politics has a significant influence on the recruitment of youth into the police service. Corruption has also been highlighted as another factor that influences the recruitment and selection of youth into the police service. The study recommends that corruption and political interference should be reduced to allow the recruitment process to maintain free and fair grounds so as to select and hire the most qualified youth into the police service who can be more competent in service delivery.