From a police force to service; it has been a wonderful journey

Joseph Boinnet, outgoing Inspector General of Police. [Standard]

On March 11, 2015, I had singular honour and privilege to be sworn in as the second Inspector General of the National Police Service. On my assumption of office, transformation of the National Police Service into a professional, responsive and accountable law enforcement agency that can be trusted by the people of Kenya was a priority.

Looking back, it has been a worthwhile experience during which we have recorded various successes while drawing lessons from the challenges we encountered during the implementation of the National Police Service transformation agenda. Despite this, our quest to secure our country and offer policing services guided by a high sense of  fidelity to the law has kept us going.

Looking back, we have made significant progress. More than 30 new and amended laws, policies and regulations have been developed to assist police officers to do their policing work professionally. We have trained our officers on these laws, policies and regulations so that they are conversant with them.

Police logistical mobility was a major challenge in the Service and source of complaints against police. The situation has greatly improved. As of today, 2,720 assorted vehicles have been leased to add onto the formerly existing fleet. Special Purpose Motor Vehicles have also been procured to enhance the safety and security of officers during operations.

The National Police Service Air wing has undergone modernisation with additional aircraft in order to offer air support when need arises. The service has also acquired modern boats to enhance maritime security. It is envisaged that this will go a long way in supporting the exploitation of the "Blue Economy" which stands to contribute to the economic development of our country.

Another milestone

To leverage on  technology in crime management, the Integrated Command and Control Centre has been established in Nairobi and Mombasa to facilitate real time police operations. Over 3,800 CCTV cameras have been installed to assist the Service in carrying out its operations. Establishment of a Forensic Laboratory at the DCI headquarters to enhance investigations and analysis of evidence is another milestone that the service is proud of. A new ‘Basic Training Curriculum’ is in place aimed at producing officers who are fully prepared to deal with 21st century policing challenges. All promotional courses training curricula have been reviewed and Direct Entry programmes for specialists will be re-introduced.

The Service is partnering with the UK Government in training senior police officers in Strategic Leadership and Command at the National Police Service Senior Staff College, Loresho. The UK government will continue supporting this programme for the next five (5) years before the final hand over to the NPS. The ultimate goal is to develop officers who are competent to serve Kenyans in a professional manner.

The new policy framework and strategy on the reorganization of the Service marks the second phase of Police reform. Through this process, we are currently implementing changes that are meant to make the Service more effective, efficient, responsive and accountable to the law and people of Kenya.

My successor

To solve the perennial problem of housing in the Service, there's a policy shift from institutional free housing for junior officers to provision of house allowance. This will enable us to integrate police officers with the general public through Community Policing. It is our belief this will impact the behaviour of officers and contribute to greater integrity in the Service.

As I prepare to hand over to my successor, it is important to note that the reforms process is on-going and will be a long-term process. The critical initiatives necessary to ensure its success borders on three aspects; More awareness and support from various decision-makers; re-learning and a willingness for change among the men and women in service. Most importantly, enhanced collaboration with citizens through community partnerships is crucial.

I conclude with a special word of appreciation to his Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta, for the confidence and trust he showed in nominating me and the support he has accorded the National Police Service since 2013. I wish to acknowledge the commitment and support that I received from the Late Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery and Dr Fred Matiang'i, both Cabinet Secretaries in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. Their support made my job worthwhile.

I am also indeed grateful to my colleagues in the Service and sister security agencies whom we have walked this journey together with a collective purpose to ensure delivery of quality security services to the public in an efficient and effective manner. To the Kenyans and stakeholders who have supported me, l say Asante Sana.

l am confident my successor will serve with great dignity and honor and continue the process of transforming the National Police Service into the service the Kenyan people need and deserve. It’s time to say goodbye. Thank you.

Mr Boinnet is outgoing Inspector General of Police