The strategic framework that would guide the current round of police reforms, an initiative that has perennially evaded Kenya, was unveiled today.
And the onus to achieve better governance, leadership and service delivery in the National Police Service, as well as improve public confidence, was placed on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
At an estimated cost of Ksh 180 billion, the strategic framework will run for four years, until 2028 when all the envisioned reform ingredients are expected to be in place.
It is a culmination of the Justice (Rtd) Maraga taskforce whose report contains 598 recommendations which the framework endevours to implement.
Key Result Areas
- Leadership, Oversight and Accountability
- Institutional Capacity Development
- Human Resource Management and Development
- Operational Preparedness and Logistical Capacity
Besides the NPS, Justice (Rtd) Maraga team also tasked to initiate similar reforms in the Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service.
Dubbed the Strategic Framework For Implementation of Reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service 2024 – 2028, the strategy was unveiled Thursday June 6, 2024 by Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, in Nairobi.
“This framework addresses the ills that have been bedevilling the Services over the years. We engaged Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), IPOA, the Public Service Commission (PSC) and consultants,” he said.
Dr Omollo added: “Together they crafted the framework to guide the reform process, with key deliverables which are our priority areas or the key result areas.”
On the first one – Leadership, Oversight and Accountability – the PS pledged support for IPOA and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), noting the country would rely on them for “internal and external accountability, transparency and prevention of corruption” in the police.
Speaking at the event IPOA Chairperson Mrs. Anne Makori rallied government institutions involved in the security sector to guard with zeal, compliance with human rights in Kenya.
She said: “The human rights space, and securing it is very important for sustainable development. In our efforts, we have been consistent in calling for curriculum development so that all members of the NPS, among others, understand the mandate of IPOA.”
Mrs. Makori also urged development partners to support the implementation of the reforms noting that in the past IPOA has benefited from donor support including the UK Government, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) among others.
The meeting was also attended by UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan and other officials representing the development partners.
Mrs. Makori was accompanied by IPOA CEO. Mr. Elema Halake and Deputy Director Mr Mugambi Munene
