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Tag: Police reforms

  • MPs back police reforms amid growing concerns over brutality

    MPs back police reforms amid growing concerns over brutality

    Members of Parliament on Tuesday threw their weight behind the nomination of new commissioners to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), emphasizing the urgent need for far-reaching police reforms amid growing public anger over alleged brutality and a deteriorating relationship between law enforcement and citizens.

    Led by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, the legislators urged the House to support the nominees, saying the appointments come at a critical time when the balance between law enforcement and protection of civil liberties is under strain.

    “Honourable Speaker, I see a challenge before us,” Kaluma stated. “A challenge that requires us to begin thinking deeply about how we can enjoy our fundamental freedoms, while remaining fully aware that these freedoms have limits.”

    While emphasizing the importance of a functioning police service, Kaluma cautioned against excusing misconduct, stressing that rogue officers must be held accountable.

    “Those officers who misbehave must be held accountable, swiftly and in accordance with the law, as we are already doing,” he said.

    Kaluma noted that the new commissioners must uphold justice and fairness.

    “Let them allow our police officers the space to act professionally, while equally ensuring that Kenyans enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear or intimidation.”

    His sentiments were echoed by Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo, who painted a grim picture of morale within the service.

    “Truth be told and without any bias, the relationship between the Kenyan Police Service and the general public could be considered to be at its lowest point ever,” Oundo said.

    He attributed the breakdown in relations to systemic issues within the police force, including poor welfare, inadequate remuneration, and a lack of operational resources.

    “It is disheartening, Mr. Speaker, that in this day and age, many police officers lack vehicles to get to work. Even where police cars exist, many stations do not have a proper fuel allocation,” he said.

    Oundo emphasized the need to address mental health challenges among officers, warning that poor conditions are contributing to an overstretched and demoralized force.

    However, he condemned the use of excessive force by some officers, citing a personal account of an unarmed, homeless man being fatally shot by police.

    “It is completely unacceptable for any officer to brutalize a fellow human being… This Parliament must support reforms that will transform the police from being perceived as a brutal force into a people-centered service one that is not weaponized to settle political scores,” he added.

    Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo also weighed in, calling for a fresh and transformative approach in the Commission.

    “We are looking forward to injecting new brains and new ideas individuals who will not merely replicate the actions of their predecessors but will instead transform the commission,” he said.

    Ngogoyo decried a recent incident in which a young vendor was fatally shot by police in town, saying such acts erode public trust.

    “This young man was unarmed. He did not resist arrest. He did not run. It is worrying that someone so defenseless could be met with such excessive force,” he lamented.

    He likened the state of police leadership to a shepherd who has lost sight of his flock.

    “Let us be cautious not to lose the confidence and trust of Kenyans in the process of leading them.”

    Ngogoyo criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, under which many promises to the police remain unmet.

    “We made a solemn promise to the police service that we would improve their working conditions. The truth is, the majority of these promises remain unfulfilled,” he said.

    Still, he expressed support for the new appointees, urging Parliament to empower them to lead meaningful reforms.

  • Police welfare on trial: Murkomen decries court ruling on Maraga reform taskforce

    Police welfare on trial: Murkomen decries court ruling on Maraga reform taskforce

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed deep concern over a High Court ruling that declared the presidential taskforce on police reforms unconstitutional, a decision he fears could silence the desperate voices of officers serving under increasingly difficult conditions.

    At the heart of the matter is the welfare of thousands of police officers whose longstanding pleas for better housing, fair promotions, improved working conditions and timely transfers have often gone unheard.

    The now-defunct taskforce, chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga, had embarked on a nationwide dialogue to document these grievances and formulate a reform roadmap, a process CS Murkomen described as long overdue and urgently needed.

    “It’s unbelievable that a judge assigned officers, who share similar issues across the country, would declare a taskforce looking into their welfare unconstitutional,” said Murkomen during his visit to Mwatate, Taita Taveta County.

    In his verdict, Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that President William Ruto had overstepped constitutional bounds by forming the 23-member task force, noting that such reforms fall under the mandate of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).

    As a result, all findings and recommendations by the team were declared null and void.

    For Murkomen, however, the ruling goes beyond a legal setback; it strikes at the hope of reform for officers stationed in remote outposts, many of whom struggle without proper vehicles, live in cramped housing and wait years for promotion or recognition.

    “We are committed to addressing issues raised during the tour, whose ultimate goal is better service delivery to Kenyans. These include cross-cutting matters such as acquiring more police vehicles to improve mobility and boost security operations, reviewing the scheme of service, promotions, career progression, enumeration and rewards for police and NGAO officers,” said the CS.

    “We will also operationalize gazetted administrative units, improve infrastructure, and empower village elders,” he added.

    Since assuming office, CS Murkomen has prioritized reforms within the National Police Service, focusing on better housing, acquisition of modern equipment, human resource restructuring and the adoption of technology.

    His recent Jukwaa la Usalama forums have uncovered recurring concerns across all six counties he has visited.

    Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo echoed the CS’s sentiments, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of the court’s decision, especially given the progress already made.

    “By the time of the court ruling, the ministry had already implemented 47.2 percent of reforms in the NPS, and 42.9 percent in the Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service,” said Omollo, speaking during the launch of the new Kisumu East Sub-County Headquarters in Kasagam.

    He noted that several strategic reforms were well underway, including procurement of vehicles, modern equipment, and the rollout of technology to enhance national security operations.

    “Police officers, just like every other Kenyan, deserve to work in a dignified environment. We must continue to prioritize their welfare and facilitate their service delivery,” said Omollo.

    He further pointed out that the NPS had already launched a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for officers and their dependents, including mental health care.

    Officers are also covered under a group life insurance policy that provides financial protection in the event of death or permanent disability.

    Additionally, Omollo revealed that a phased salary increment is ongoing, with the basic pay for police constables having risen by Ksh 4,000 over the past 10 years.

    “A mortgage scheme has also been developed to provide access to affordable housing through a structured framework,” he concluded.

    As the country grapples with the implications of the ruling, a lingering question remains: if not now, when will the officers’ voices truly be heard?

  • Govt reaffirms commitment to police reforms-PS Omollo

    Govt reaffirms commitment to police reforms-PS Omollo

    The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive police reforms as part of ongoing efforts to bolster national security and restore public trust in law enforcement.

    Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said the reforms are central to the government’s broader transformation agenda aimed at safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans, which he noted are essential for sustainable national development.

    Speaking during the official opening of the newly constructed Kasagam Police Station in Kisumu, Dr. Omollo announced that the government has already implemented 50 percent of the recommendations made by the National

    Taskforce on Police and Prison Reforms, chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.

    “The reforms which encompass improved salaries, housing, medical and group life insurance, enhanced training, and the rollout of modern facilities and technologies are progressing steadily,” he said.

    The government, he said, was committed to upholding recent court pronouncements and ensuring that all reforms are implemented in line with the rule of law, while staying attuned to the practical realities of the country’s security landscape.

    “We must equip, protect, and dignify our officers. When we empower them, we empower the nation. These reforms mark just the beginning of broader initiatives to strengthen our security infrastructure and improve the lives of those we serve,” he added.

    The PS commended Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir for allocating funds from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the construction of the Kasagam Police Station. He noted that the new facility would ease the workload of officers and improve service delivery in the region.

    Dr. Omollo was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, NG-CDF Board Chairman Olago Aluoch, and MP Shakeel Shabbir.

    He praised police officers nationwide for their unwavering efforts in maintaining peace and security, citing a marked decline in insecurity, including a significant reduction in banditry incidents.

    The PS further lauded IG Kanja for his decisive leadership in spearheading the ongoing reforms.
    “We are proud of your leadership in the National Police Service. Under your stewardship, transformative programs are being rolled out that reflect genuine concern for not only the work our officers do but also their dignity and working conditions,” Dr. Omollo said.

    Inspector General Kanja, in his remarks, emphasized the critical role of community policing and called on residents to actively participate in efforts to maintain peace and support law enforcement.
    NG-CDF Chairman Olago Aluoch reiterated the board’s commitment to supporting the security sector through infrastructure development.

    He revealed that over the last two financial years, NG-CDF has invested Sh 1.8 billion in the construction of police stations, posts, chiefs’ camps, and administrative offices across the country.

    “Our goal is to support the Kenya Police Service in enhancing service delivery and ensuring the safety of all Kenyans,” he said.

  • Ruto vows to implement reforms to ensure a motivated police force

    Ruto vows to implement reforms to ensure a motivated police force

    The government is committed to implementing far-reaching reforms to ensure that the police service is motivated, well-resourced, and professional, President William Ruto has said.

    The President pointed out that there is demonstrable progress in the modernisation of police equipment.

    Receiving the End-Term Report of the second National Police Service Commission at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, he said: “We want to make sure that police officers who put their lives on the line have the protection, equipment, and backing of the government.”

    The commission was appointed in March 2019 for a six-year non-renewable term.

    Members of the commission were Mr Eliud Kinuthia (chairman), Dr Alice Otwala (vice-chairperson), Mr John ole Moyaki, Mr Eusebius Laibuta, Dr Lilian Kiamba and Mr Edwin Cheluget

    The President commended the commissioners for their contribution to police reforms and the human resource management of the police service.

    “Your stewardship has yielded undeniable improvement in recruitment processes, career progression, discipline enforcement, and the welfare of our officers,” he said.

    Present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, two deputy IGs Gilbert Masengeli and Eliud Lagat, as well as Directorate of Criminal Investigation Director-General Mohamed Amin.

    Key achievements of the second National Police Service Commission include the recruitment of 10, 982 police officers, and 1,128 civilian staff as well as the automation of the recruitment process.

    Further, they determined more than 16,000 promotions, 26,000 transfers, 1,400 disciplinary cases and 700 appeal cases.

    They also implemented the recommendations of the Maraga Report on terms and conditions of service by salary review and implementing phases one and two of salary increments, which boosted morale in the rank and file of the service.

    Mr Kinuthia thanked the President for defending the commission against a proposal in the Building Bridges Initiative, which would have seen the commission replaced with a Police Council.

    “Had this amendment seen the light of day, the net effect would have been permanent abolition of the commission and the tenets upon which the commission  was established by the Constitution,” he said.

    President Ruto said one of his first tasks upon taking office was to restore the operational and financial independence of the police service.

    “In my consideration, it was what was going to make a difference between running a professional service and one influenced by other considerations,” he said.

  • President Ruto says Ksh106B needed to implement police reforms

    President Ruto says Ksh106B needed to implement police reforms

    President William Ruto has said creating a transparent and efficient people-centered police service is his foremost priority.

    The President pointed out that the government was carrying out major reforms in the security sector for the collective interest of all Kenyans.

    Speaking during the launch of Reform Framework for the Kenya Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service (NYS) at Lower Kabete, Nairobi, on Wednesday, President Ruto called for greater collaboration among all stakeholders for the goals of the plan to be achieved.

    He expressed commitment to overseeing the reforms and ensuring that they are implemented so as to transform the security sector into a model of public trust and efficiency.

    “When I talk about transformation, I do not merely refer to a major improvement, but a rebirth which will necessitate a fundamental redefinition of how our security services operate and interact with the communities they are sworn to protect and serve,” President Ruto said.

    He pointed out that the Maraga Taskforce, which was set up in December 2022, identified several challenges facing the security sector, including obsolete policies, outdated practices, weak leadership, underfunding and, most concerning rampant corruption and gross malpractices as well as poor staff management.

    Others, the President added, were low pay, poor working and living conditions, inappropriate tools and equipment, and lack of support for welfare concerns.

    “As a result, trust between the public and the security services, which is indispensable for national security and the rule of law, had been severely eroded,”he said.

    In line with the recommendations of the taskforce, the government has initiated a series of reforms, beginning with a 40 per cent salary increase for the lowest ranks of the services, aimed at achieving significant qualitative transformation of the security services.

    At the same time, President Ruto disclosed that Ksh106 billion is required to fully implement the recommendations of the taskforce.

    Of the total, Ksh22 billion will go to salary increases, while Ksh37 billion is required to upgrade hardware as well as welfare reforms. To modernise the three services, Ksh45 billion is required.

    “To ensure that our commitment to overhaul these crucial institutions is accompanied with the necessary resources, the required funds will largely be provided from the Exchequer and various partners,” he said.

    The President said the envisaged reforms will require comprehensive institutional changes, beginning with legislation.

    “Consequently, we are undertaking sweeping reforms of existing laws and introducing new ones that will form the backbone of a revamped national security framework,” he noted.

    The President pointed out that the National Police Service Act, National Police Service Commission Act and several other laws will be revised to align with the contemporary needs and standards.

    He cited the Kenya Correctional Services Bill and the National Forensic Science Laboratory Services Bill, saying they will provide the necessary legal structure to support the changes that are modernising the security services and propel them to the highest standards of policing and best practice.

    Meanwhile, the President called on all stakeholders to work together for the transformation of the security sector to serve all Kenyans.

    “The success of these initiatives does not just depend on the actions of the government, but also on active participation and support from every segment of our society, including policy and strategic leadership, local community leaders and our brave men and women in uniform,” he said.

    The President said due to the realisation that Kenyans have a role to play, the government will employ an all-of-society approach in implementing the security strategic framework.

    “Let’s support the policy changes we are making in the security sector without unnecessary disagreements that can jeopardise the greater good of the people of Kenya,” President Ruto urged.

    On the Affordable Housing Programme, President Ruto explained that 32,000 houses were being built for the security officers with the aim of providing them with decent houses.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the government was committed to delivering a people-centred, transparent and efficient security service.He pointed out that the ongoing reforms will be participatory, open and transparent.

    Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi commended the ongoing reforms, saying they would ensure efficiency and transparency besides boosting the morale of security officers to work better

  • National Steering Committee picked to oversee implementation of police reforms

    National Steering Committee picked to oversee implementation of police reforms

    A National Steering Committee has been appointed by Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki to oversee the implementation of reforms proposed by the Maraga Taskforce within the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service over the next three years.

    The committee is chaired by the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo and includes Principal Secretaries from the National Treasury, State Departments for Correctional Services, Public Service and Cabinet Affairs.

    Additional members of the committee include the Solicitor General, Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner Generals of the Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service, as well as the Chairpersons of the National Youth Service Commission and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

    Representatives from the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Service Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission, National Youth Service Council, and the Kenya Law Reform Commission also form part of the Steering Committee.

    The appointments are contained in a gazette notice dated September 13, 2024.

  • Taskforce set up to oversee implementation of reforms in police, NYS

    Taskforce set up to oversee implementation of reforms in police, NYS

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki has appointed a technical committee to review and develop policy reforms for the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service. 

    This is a recommendation of a report by former Chief Justice David Maraga’s task force on reviewing the reforms within the three forces to improve the state of affairs. 

    The committee gazetted on August 23rd comprises 13 members and seven joint secretaries. The Technical Working Group shall prepare and submit a report to the Cabinet Secretary within nine months.

    State counsel in the Attorney General’s office, Kepha Onyiso, was appointed as Chairperson of the committee and will be deputised by Musita Anyangu.

    Charles Otieno will act as the technical adviser.

  • Government requires Ksh108B to implement police reforms

    Government requires Ksh108B to implement police reforms

    The Government needs Ksh 108 billion to implement far-reaching reforms in the Police, Prisons Service and National Youth Service.

    Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said the reforms will be implemented in four years – 2024 to 2028 – in line with a strategic framework guiding the process.

    The PS said the framework developed in consultation with stakeholders has identified four key areas of reform including leadership in the three services, oversight and accountability, institutional capacity development and human resource management and development, as well as operational preparedness and logistical capability.

    “As Kenya moves forward, the success of these reforms will hinge on their effective implementation and the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders,” PS Omollo said in a statement.

    The National Assembly has already approved Ksh MPs approve Ksh3.5billion budget for police pay raise.

    The President in December 2022 formed a Taskforce on Police Reforms, that was led by retired Chief Justice David Maraga. The taskforce in its report handed over to the President in November 2023 recommended far-reaching implications to the National Police Service, the Prisons Service and the National Youth Service.

    The recommendations included logistics, mobility, and equipment to be used by the National Police Service, the Prisons Service, and the National Youth Service (NYS) in a bid to enhance their work and streamline service delivery to the public.

    The report identified specific issues such as political interference in the National Police Service (NPS), corruption in employment and promotions, police training curriculum, an inadequate National Police Service Commission (NPSC), the role of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for National Security and structure of the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) in the police.

    While presenting the report, Maraga called for political goodwill in the implementation of the recommendations saying similar proposals were previously made but never implemented.

    “It also became clear that the reform recommendations stand little chance of being implemented if the leadership issues are not addressed,” the retired Chief Justice said.

    The President and the Ministry have committed to ensuring the taskforce report is implemented, a move that was welcomed by security sector players.

     

     

  • Gov’t to implement 40pc salary increase for police officers starting July

    Gov’t to implement 40pc salary increase for police officers starting July

    The government will enact the proposed 40 percent increment in National Police officers’ salaries starting July this year.

    Interior PS Raymond Omollo confirmed that the salary increment, which was key among the proposals by the Maraga-led committee, will be rolled out gradually over the next three years.

    He indicated that the government, in collaboration with development partners including the United Nations, has embarked on institutional reforms and improvement of infrastructure in the police and prisons department.

    The PS spoke on Monday during a roundtable with development partners.

    “Police reforms are still on top of the Government’s agenda, and a detailed presentation on their implementation will be provided in this forum. It is crucial that we get it right this time, as this is an issue that has seen varying levels of success over the years,” said Omollo.

    The Maraga-led taskforce, in its report, recommended a 40 percent increase of salaries for the National Police Service (NPS), National Youth Service (NYS), and Kenya Prisons Service officers.

    The report which was handed over to President William Ruto last year also recommended the review of medical cover and welfare of the members of the police force.