Police Service willing to reform and provide enhanced security

By David Kimaiyo
letters@standardmedia.co.ke

One of the prime functions of the Government is providing security to all citizens and their property throughout the Republic. The promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and enactment of enabling legislations came as a culmination of sustained public sector reforms started way back in 2003. Notable efforts to this end was appointment of a taskforce on May 2008 to undertake Institutional, Legal and Policy Reforms to transform the Police Force into a professional, efficient, effective and accountable police service.

The Constitution in Article 239 (2) provides that the Primary objective of the National Security organs and Security System is to promote and guarantee National Security. It further provides for establishment of National Police Service under the command of the Inspector General.

Since the advent of multi-partism in Kenya, history was made in the 2013 March General Election. Despite a few isolated hitches we held peaceful and largely transparent election. This success did not come easily. Meticulous and elaborate security plans were put in place.

For the first time, some 103,000 police officers (over 80,000 police officers and 23,000 special officers) were deployed to secure the elections. For the last one year, crime has declined by 8 per cent as articulated in the recently released crime index and statistics. Crime went down by 5,903 cases where 66,188 cases were reported in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 where 72,091 cases were reported.

This notwithstanding more effort is required to boost security and foster economic development.

It is significant to mention here that the Government has provided Sh4 billion to facilitate modernisation of the National Police Service in terms of tooling and equipment.

Already, Service Standing Orders for the NPS have been developed, as the IGP is required.

Efforts to review existing regulations have been put in place with the support of partners such as the Saferworld International and Usalama Reform Forum. A stakeholders’ consultative draft has been developed for validation before the end of January this year.

We are also developing the National Police Service Strategic Plan 2013-2017. Implementation of this Strategic Plan is expected to steer the National Police Service towards a dignified world-class police service.

Police reforms have started to bear fruit.  The ongoing vetting, which provides that all officers be assessed for their suitability and competence, is a major milestone.

So far, 30 senior officers have been vetted and the process will continue until all members have been vetted.

Additionally, seven reform implementation committees are expected to bring forth a raft of recommendations for implementation. They include committee on; maintenance of order on Roads (traffic reforms); establishment of County Policing Authority Command Structure and Reporting Mechanism; Curriculum and Training, Review and improvement of training strategies and training institutions; Audit of Police stations and operations; Reforms; Police Housing, stalled Projects and Welfare Audit, & Establishment of research, partnership and early warning mechanisms, to steer reforms from various fronts.

Moreover, a joint command and control operation centre has been established and fully operational. It comprises a call centre and a linkage with CCTV surveillance system that will be linked across the country.

We have also activated 999 and 112 emergency call lines with over 20 service lines. A website has been developed where members of public can send complaints, tips and any information. www.usalamawatch.go.ke is handled by 59 officers trained in intelligence analysis. Some 335 vehicles purchased in 2012 and delivered in 2013 have been issued to the Police Service. About 350 Toyota Land cruisers, being the first batch of 1,200 vehicles hired by the Government to enhance mobility in the National Police Service have been distributed to the field.