Inarguably, the journey of police reform in Kenya is far from over. The process, which began way before the promulgation of the 2010 constitution, is as important today as it was then.
This is why the President’s appointment of a National Task Force on the Improvement of Terms and Conditions of Service of the Members of the National Police Service, Kenya Prison Service and the National Youth Service in December 2022 could be termed an important milestone.
The police reform journey has been bedevilled with accusations of corruption, non-responsiveness and brutality, among other ills. The task force was chaired by Chief Justice (Emeritus) David Maraga. It handed over its report to the President on November 16, 2023.
A few months after the presentation of the Maraga task force report to the President, Kenya finds itself on the cusp of transformation. The document has ignited a newfound sense of urgency and dedication to action.
This heralds a new era in governance and service provision in one of the most pivotal yet complex government sectors. While the shadow of past reform endeavours such as Ransley, Philip Alston and Naikuni reports looms large in our collective memory, there is an unmistakable momentum this time around. It is originating from the upper echelons of government—a momentum that demands to be seized and upheld.
The report casts a glaring light upon a service entangled in legal, policy, institutional and administrative deficiencies. Key issues of attention identified in the report, which the recommendations target to address, include: underfunding of the service, corruption, the challenge of leadership, the role of the National Police Service Commission and the Cabinet secretary, reorganisation of the NPS, police units and oversight by the Internal Affairs Unit and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
Specific issues surrounding adequacy of housing, medical insurance for personnel, transparency and accountability within the ranks, and other personnel matters, including gender mainstreaming and mental health support, have been given due attention. The recommendations, although in an abridged version which is the only document available in the public domain, address in a pertinent way these deficiencies.
Amidst high level of expectations, there is, this time, a sense of immediacy and a steadfast commitment to action. There have been recent strategic manoeuvres by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki regarding top-level transfers and deployments.
This has injected vitality into the NPS, resulting in notable stability in the security sector and a decrease in crime. There is also an air of relief after the disbarment of the infamous and unlawful Special Services Unit, which was termed a ‘death squad’, that was used to torture and kill Kenyans ahead of the 2022 general election.
The task force further addresses issues to do with salary increment, delayed payment of operation allowances, inadequate rations, modern equipment and tooling for the police, especially for sensitive operations in the forward areas.
Addressing such issues will go a long way in boosting the morale of officers and improving operational efficiency to tackle threats to national security like banditry, terrorism and other organised crimes. This tangible progress underscores the imperative for reform and accentuates the efficacy of expeditious implementation.
However, real transformation in the NPS will necessitate more than just the recommendations on paper—it will demand investment. The Interior Cabinet Secretary has assured the government's commitment to allocate Sh7 billion towards modernising the NPS, signifying a tangible dedication to furnishing our law enforcement agencies with the requisite tools and resources to thrive in the 21st century.
This substantial investment heralds a new era of responsiveness and accountability, ensuring that the NPS transcends being merely a symbol of authority to become a bastion of trust and reliability for all Kenyans.
The President has commited to effect the recommended 40 per cent pay raise for members of the NPS over the next three years. This, coupled with the implementation of the recommendations in the larger report that he has access to, the country looks forward to a better-resourced, disciplined, transparent and accountable National Police Service.
A service that will serve the citizenry with dedication and one that will be open to oversight by statutory agencies such as IPOA with the aim of ensuring any complaints raised by the public against it are addressed impartially.
Mugiira is a research and policy expert, while Tororey is a governance law expert