Legislators have today began a review of Regulations aimed at promoting police accountability, especially at a time the country is facing an increased demand for a healthier police services.
Drawn from the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs, the parliamentarians are expected to bring closer to fruition, a rigorous legal process that will culminate with the enactment of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (General Operations) Regulations – 2022.
IPOA Chairperson Mrs. Anne Makori, presented the proposed regulations to the Committee’s Chairperson, Hon Gabriel Tongoyo in Machakos County.
Terming the regulations as “long overdue,” Hon. Tongoyo was hopeful the intended results would soon be realised.
“This engagement is long overdue. We look forward to considering your proposal and further discussions towards the fruition of the regulations. We are willing to assist you to realise your mandate,” he said.
Members of the parliamentary committee are expected to undertake a three-day review process with hopes the regulations would finally be tabled at the floor of the full House, for enactment.
Mrs Makori appreciated the Committee’s commitment to secure Kenyans and upscale police reforms through the enrichment of the regulations.
She noted: “We remain appreciative of the National Assembly with whom we have a common mandate of securing the rights and privileges of all Kenyans.”
The Authority may make regulations for the better carrying into effect of the purposes of this Act, and in particular for the following—(a) the mode of bringing complaints before the Authority;
Sec 39, IPOA Act
(b) the rules relating to the initiation, hearing and disposal of complaints;
(c) the procedures of taking over of internal Police investigations;
(d) generally for the good order and management of the Authority.
Mrs. Makori further welcomed the Committee’s contribution in enriching the draft regulations and added: “It is our prayer that the arising plenary will greatly enrich our work strategy for delivering on our mandate.”
Commissioner Doreen Muthaura, who also chairs the IPOA Ad-Hoc Committee on the Development of IPOA Regulations emphasised the significance of the presentation.
She said: “The objective of this presentation is to incorporate the Committees’ recommendations before we advance the proposal further.”
Hon Kaluma, a member of the parliamentary committee, congratulated the Authority for coming up with a “comprehensive draft.”
The Committee includes Honourable Fred Kapondi, Liza Chelule, Francis Sigei, Peter Kaluma, Rozaah Akinyi, Protus Akujah and Lisa Chelule.
Mrs. Makori was accompanied by Vice Chairperson Dr Jonathan Lodompui, Commissioners Praxedes Tororey, Hon. JM Waiganjo, Dr Owen Ogony, Ms Fatuma Mohammed and the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Elema Halake.
The Parliamentary validation comes after the Authority separately engaged other external stakeholders such as the National Police Service, Civil Society, criminal justice system actors and the public.
Read separate story: IPOA Regulations: A Call For Your Input
As part of the initial drafting process, the draft regulations were presented to the Authority’s staff.
Eventually, the regulations will be tabled in Parliament before they become legislation.
