Fifteen years have passed since the then President, the late Mwai Kibaki, lifted aloft Kenya’s supreme law – The Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Simple legalese tells that all power vested and exercised by the Government belongs to all of us; -the people. As we celebrate 15 years of our Constitution and the first official Katiba Day, IPOA remains committed to guarding public interest in policing, fostering accountability, and advancing constitutionalism.
Today, we commemorate the day to mark the event on August 27, 2010 when Kenyans from all walks of life gathered at the historical Uhuru Park to witness the promulgation of the new Constitution.
In their numbers they ushered in a new era of governance, justice and accountability.
A decade and half later, its promise remains as powerful as the enthusiasm displayed that day; to safeguard the fundamental rights, freedoms and dignity of every citizen.
This year, there is a breath of fresh air after H.E President William Ruto issued a Presidential Proclamation, lest Kenyans forget the journey they have travelled in pursuit of the inherent rights they enjoy today.
On the day’s eve, he announced to the nation that every year, 27th August would be christened Katiba Day and celebrated across the country and in Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad.
It’s official – Katiba Day
“It is befitting for the people of Kenya to commemorate this day as a reminder of our collective duty to obey, preserve, protect, and implement the Constitution,” the President stated.
As the nation embraces this milestone, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reflects its role in this constitutional journey.
It cannot be gainsaid that IPOA, established by an Act of Parliament published in November 2011 is ever pursuant to realising Article 244 of the 2010 Constitution.
The Authority, easily mentioned as one of the babies born of the new Constitution, requires the police to uphold discipline, professionalism, transparency and accountability while delivering their service to Kenyans.
IPOA’s inaugural Board was sworn into office in 2012, setting in motion a new chapter of civilian oversight in policing, one of the only two in Africa.
The other – Independent Police Investigative Directorate – is found in South Africa.
While the police reform process is yet to be achieved to the anticipated standards, IPOA has made significant strides.
Over 35,751 complaints have been received and processed having been reported by the police themselves, the public and at the same time, IPOA on its own motion.
This is a testament that there is growing trust in civilian oversight.
Key Functions
As of June 2025, 6,366 investigations had been completed, while another 3,882 are ongoing.
These efforts have so far resulted in 41 convictions after rigorous processes in courts of law.
Beyond, the Authority through its Directorate responsible for Inspections, Monitoring and Preventive Services has undertaken 5,476 inspections of police premises and made relevant recommendations to various institutions, including the office of the Inspector General of Police.
Additionally, the Authority has monitored 946 police operations across the country, for instance, the Gen Z protests that were triggered by the Finance Bill 2024 as well as the famous Saba Saba activism of the 1990s.
Thousands of other complaints have been referred to agencies that bear the mandate to resolve them, others have been closed for the benefit of the concerned parties while more have been settled through the legally recognised Alternative Dispute Resolution.
IPOA’s presence has expanded beyond Nairobi. Our presence is felt at the regional offices in Kisumu, Meru, Mombasa, Nyeri, Carissa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kakamega, taking its services closer to the people.
Further, it has made reporting easier by acquiring a 24-hour toll free line – 1559. Other channels of reporting include the email; complaints@ipoa.go.ke and the Authority’s official digital platforms; Facebook, X, WhatsApp Channel, official website http://www.ipoa.go.ke and blog site; ipoa.news
At IPOA each investigation, inspection, or monitoring exercise is more than just a statistic.
Commitment
It represents the Authority’s commitment to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, that the Service meets constitutional standards, and that the National Police Service continues to advance towards professionalism for the benefit of all Kenyans.
As we celebrate 15 years of our Constitution and the first official Katiba Day, IPOA remains committed to guarding public interest in policing, fostering accountability, and advancing constitutionalism.
This day is a reminder from the Authority that every Kenyan has a duty to uphold the Constitution by obeying the law, respecting the rights of others and supporting efforts to advance police accountability.
The legacy of Constitution of Kenya 2010 lives on.