The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Board on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, presented its 6-year governance report to President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
The second Board will conclude its term on 31 August 2024 having served since September 2018, delivering on its mandate of enhancing professionalism in the National Police Service.
Mrs. Anne Makori, EBS, who has been the Board’s Chairperson highlighted the achievements and challenges the Authority has faced during its tenure.
She was accompanied by Commissioners Dr. Jonathan Lodompui, MBS., Dr. Owen Ogony, MBS, Dr. Praxedes Tororey, MBS., Doreen Muthaura, MBS., Fatuma Mohamed, MBS., Hon. JM Waiganjo and CEO Elema Halake, SS.
Mrs Makori reiterated the Board’s commitment to the mandate of ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice in national policing saying that in implementing the BETA priorities, IPOA receives and investigates complaints against police officers, inspects police premises and detention facilities to enhance compliance to human rights standards.
“IPOA also monitors police operations and makes recommendations for professional policing services to create a conducive environment for micro, small and medium traders,” Mrs. Makori said as she highlighted that despite the challenges it experienced, IPOA has made significant strides in professionalizing the National Police Service.
During the outgoing Board’s tenure, the Authority received and processed 20,112 complaints from the public and police officers, resolved 12,732 and 4,865 investigations. Out of the number of cases investigated, the Authority sent 773 files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)..
As at August 2024, a total of 136 cases were pending before court while at least thirty police officers have been convicted for various offenses
The Authority also monitored 514 policing operations and conducted 3,854 inspections of police premises to enhance standards in holding facilities and ensure police officers were working better environments.
Additionally, the Authority developed several polices and manuals, revised and developed new HR Instruments and drafted the IPOA Regulations 2024.
Mrs. Makori presented the end-term report alongside three Chairpersons of other commissions; the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), and the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ).
In his address, President Ruto lauded the Boards and appreciated their efforts in leading the offices in contributing towards the national discourse on the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, the actualisation of national values and principles of governance, the enhancement of inclusion and cohesion, and reflection on the sustainability of the public sector wage bill.
He particularly lauded IPOA’s efforts in transformation of policing, and the fight against corruption.
Noting the service delivery disruptions due to delayed recruitment of Boards, President Ruto tasked his Deputy, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua to oversee the development of legislation to enable staggered Boards for institutional continuity.
“The Deputy President’s office, in close consultation with the Attorney General and the CCIOs will be tasked with preparing an omnibus Bill to give effect to the legal provisions for staggered recruitment of commissioners,” The President said.