• The junior officers complain of discrimination
• Director police Reforms said the order to vacate is part of the ongoing reforms
There is disquiet among junior officers at the Kiganjo Police Training College for being ordered to vacate their houses for occupation by their seniors.
A section of junior officers who spoke on Saturday complained that the notice that they leave their quarters at the Kiganjo main campus was discriminatory.
They confided in the Star that the directive was ill-intended as they had been given a short notice to vacate. The notice is dated August 29 and signed by Mathias Pombe, for National Police College Main Campus Kiganjo.
The officers said that they receive Sh7,000 monthly house allowance. "The cheapest house in Kiganjo area goes for Sh8,000 a month and it's a bedsitter," one of them who chose anonymity said.
Deputy Director Police Reforms King’ori Mwangi confirmed the changes.
Mwangi said the order to vacate houses is part of the ongoing reforms at the National Police Service.
“I give policy direction, the two-bedroomed houses are meant for senior superintendents,” he told the Star on Sunday.
The reforms are part of the September 13, 2018, presidential directive.
According to the new arrangement, officers will no longer live in government houses, leased houses, police camps or lines.
They will enter into private tenancy agreements in areas of their choice.
The government pledged to give them allowances in a move President Uhuru Kenyatta said would ease the housing crisis.
Tradition has been for officers, especially junior ones, to live in one place for ease of mobilisation during security operations, emergencies and distress calls.
Police stations, camps and lines provide a convenient environment for such accommodation.
“Ref: Vacation of members of other ranks from Blocks A To F within police lines; Following the commandant’s directive that the above blocks be occupied by members of inspectorate, I am under instructions to inform all members of other ranks residing in block A –F within police lines to make arrangements and vacate them latest September 30, 2019.”
“On the same note, all members of inspectorate residing within police lines should also vacate by September 30, 2019. Arrangements will be made on how allocation of the six blocks A – F will be distributed to members of inspectorate with effect from October 1, 2019. Please pass this information to affected officers under your command and should not expect a reminder,” continues the notice.
It was copied to; All Directors Schools, Faculties, Departments and Section heads National Police College Main Campus Kiganjo.
He spoke on the phone.