Civilian policing oversight is resource – intensive; Finance, Personnel and Time. In order to achieve acceptable standards of oversight IPOA has developed a roadmap that would be a guide to reverse the undesirables that may stem from law enforcement. IPOA thus embarked on this journey whose results were officially unveiled during the official launch of its Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 on September 17, 2025.
Independent Policing Oversight Authority Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan cautioned the police command against failing to cooperate during investigations targeting officers cited for criminal misconduct. He reminded the police that in the course of law enforcement, transparency and accountability is not an option but an obligation.
The Chairperson spoke during the official unveilling of IPOA Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
“As IPOA we are in a very difficult place, we are accused by the public of not doing enough to make police accountable. We are accused of being part of the police, covering up for them. On the other hand, we continue to have resistance and
lack of cooperation from police command and police officers in terms of investigating misconduct and criminal action by the police. I think we are all working for the same people of Kenya – Wanjiku. It is important for the police command to embrace transparency and accountability; and to accept civilian oversight. It is possible to have a professional police which is also respecting human rights. Oversight is not a threat. We have had anecdotal evidence from the field, of some police commanders complaining that they cannot do their work because of IPOA. That is a very dishonest statement. The police know what they are doing. Some of them, I have noticed are masters of double speak and we know when they are doing that. We are going to hold them accountable.”
The Strategic Plan is a laborious but a promising journey which forecasts improved confidence and trust for Kenyans whenever they demand answers either for actions taken or decisions made by the police.
It is not an endeavour to reinvent the wheel but a fresh impetus into continuous efforts that are aimed at ensuring that the National Police Service strives for the best standards possible in professionalism and discipline, transparency and accountability as well as response to complaints.
During a gracious event held yesterday, the IPOA Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 was officially unveiled, laying bare to the public the step by step approach the Authority has embraced to bridge the gap between the National Police Service and the citizens it serves.
Rule of Law
Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome, joined IPOA Board, led by Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, during the ceremony where they made a pledge – law enforcement shall be be confined to rule of law and adherence to fundamental human rights.
The CJ recognised the work bestowed on IPOA as “difficult,” and referred to Chapter 4 of the Constitution that guarantees; securing for every Kenyan the right to life, dignity, quality and freedom from torture.
“This convening is with permission of a Constitutional journey that we embarked on in 2010 to transform police. To entrench, cultivate and to safeguard human rights,” she said.
The CJ continued: “Chapter 14 makes its clear that all security organs including the police are subject to the Constitution and accountable to the public. In the same spirit Article 244 outlines the principles of policing. It is against this background that IPOA was entrusted with the mandate to provide independent oversight of the police. ”