The journey to a reformed police service has taken another forward leap with the launch of a tactical framework that will push for the implementation of expert recommendations.
President William Ruto launched the comprehensive strategic framework that will guide the implementation of the report on terms and conditions of service for the National Police Service, Prisons and National Youth Service.
The report was prepared and handed to the president by the taskforce that was put in place by the President last year, and which was led by Retired Chief Justice David Maraga.
During the launch of the framework that will guide the next phase of the implementation of the recommendations, President William Ruto took the opportunity to urge public servants to work together for the greater good of Kenyans, uphold the rule of law and safeguard democracy.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) which provides for the civilian oversight of the National Police Service was involved in the several stages of the development and preparation of the implementation of the report.
While launching the framework, President Ruto asked institutions to be respectful of each other’s independence but find ways of working together towards the realization of the government’s agenda.
He spoke at the backdrop of the row between the Acting Inspector General and the Judiciary, after the High Court sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison upon being found guilty of contempt of court, for disregarding seven court summonses.
“The NPS is independent and so is the Judiciary. But we have one master- the people of Kenya. Therefore, I am asking for more collaboration, more working together. Let us all, as public servants, purpose to achieve for the greater good of the citizens,” he said.
The launch which happened at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) brought together senior government officials and stakeholders from the security sector.
As a crucial partner in policing, IPOA will play a significant role in the reform process. Recently, CS Kithure Kindiki appointed IPOA’s Deputy Director of Legal Services, Festus Kinoti, to the Technical Committee on the review and development of legislative and policy reforms.
The Committee also comprises experts from the office of the Attorney General, Kenya Law Reform Commission, Internal Security, National Police Service and the Government Chemist.
Others are drawn from the National Youth Service and the State Department for Correctional Services.
IPOA Chairperson will also sit in the National Steering Commitee that will oversee the Implementation of the reforms.