Educated officers discriminated against in service, NPSC told

Another officer Joseph Makokha attached to Kapenguria traffic base was unable to explain the source of his income in 2012 and 2013. Makokha received Sh7.6 million to his M-Pesa account, money transacted through M-Pesa agents and direct deposit to his account.PHOTO:COURTESY

A traffic police constable has told the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) that educated officers are not well received in the service.

Joseph Ngugi said junior officers who enroll for higher education often face discrimination by their colleagues.

He disclosed his frustrations after he was asked by commissioner Mary Owour to explain how his education had benefited his service.

"I am not part of the administration. If you go to school as an officer, you are discriminated against in the force. If you are a constable, you don't have a say in police service," Ngugi said.

He told the panel he has studied crime management and prevention, which could help in fighting runaway crime and the panel wanted to know how this has has assisted in reducing accidents on the Nakuru-Salgaa stretch, a route notorious for accidents.

"As a student of crime management, what should be done to reduce deaths attributed to accidents?" asked Ms Owour.

Ngugi said the high number of accidents was due to poor design of the road. He said the Ministry of Roads and Transport should divert trailers and lorries to go through an interchange at Molo and Kibunja.

Another officer Joseph Makokha attached to Kapenguria traffic base was unable to explain the source of his income in 2012 and 2013. Makokha received Sh7.6 million to his M-Pesa account, money transacted through M-Pesa agents and direct deposit to his account.