- Japhet Koome is now a step away from becoming the country’s fourth Inspector General of Police after the Senate approved his nomination.
- The lawmakers unanimously endorsed Koome for the job, describing him as a highly qualified and experienced police office
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Japhet Koome is now a step away from becoming the country’s fourth Inspector General of Police after the Senate approved his nomination.
The lawmakers unanimously endorsed Koome for the job, describing him as a highly qualified and experienced police officer who will instil professionalism in the National Police Service.
With the clearance, Koome fate now lies with the members of the National Assembly who are scheduled to debate and vote on Thursday.
Koome was on Tuesday vetted by the joint committee of the Senate and National Assembly on his suitability for the job.
In the report tabled by the Senate’s security committee chairman who co-chaired the vetting panel, William Cheptumo, the panel recommended Koome’s approval.
“The Committees having considered the suitability, competence, experience and integrity of the nominee following the approval hearing process, recommend that Parliament approves the nomination of Japhet Koome for appointment to the position of the Inspector-General of the National Police Service,” reads part of the report.
In their report, the Committee found Koome suitable and qualified for appointment as police IG.
The report states that Koome has the necessary experience and qualifications to hold the Office as per the requirements of the National Police Service Act.
The report notes that Koome exhibited knowledge in matters relating to security, law, management, leadership skills and qualities necessary to administer, manage and command the Service
“Based on the evidence submitted during the approval hearings, the nominee met all the
While debating the motion on the floor of the House, Uasin Gishu senator Jackson Mandago challenged him to move with speed and help reduce insecurity across the country.
“There has been a lot of muggings in the CBD, along the National Archives, along Globe Cinema, and a lot of insecurity around Strathmore University,” said Mandago.
Nyamira senator Okong’o Omogeni charged that the new IG will address the issues of insecurity so that the country can attract more tourists and other investors.
“Once the IG has been sworn in, we hope that he will address the issues of insecurity," Omogeni held.
"When tourists are visiting a country, the first thing they do is to google the security situation of that country. Once we are sure that we have security, we will attract more visitors,” he added.
Omogeni also asked to help reduce the number of roadblocks, adding that the many roadblocks have become a conduit for traffic police officers to take bribes even on ‘boda boda’ operators across the country.
Koome holds a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nairobi and is a registered civil engineer by the Engineers Board of Kenya.
In addition, he holds certificates and awards on Countering Violence Extremism, Regional Senior Mission Leaders Course and Transformational Organizational Culture for Maximum Growth and Major Crime Management Course amongst others.
The joint committee in its report table before the Senate yesterday said that Koome holds several awards in recognition of outstanding and distinguished services he rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
Koome is an experienced police officer serving at the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Koome joined the then-Kenya Police Force in 1991 and rose through the ranks to his current rank. Currently, he is serving as the Commandant of the National Police College, Main Campus in Kiganjo. He possesses continuous service and experience of 31 years in the Service.