Kudos to police for a job well done in 2010

 If the latest crime statistics are anything to go by, then Kenyans are already reaping large from police reforms. According to a report card released by commissioner Mathew Iteere last week, the rate of crime incidents this year reduced by six per cent.

The reduction, achieved at a time the police are undergoing radical changes in line with the new Constitution, is testimony that the force is better serving its mandate.

Granted the crime rate must fall further to below world averages, it is necessary to shower praise when and where it is earned.

Admittedly, the men and women in uniform put their lives on the line daily and operate under harsh conditions, without risk or medical allowances. They brave tough working conditions, work through rain and blazing sunshine, clear gut-wrenching crime and accident scenes and take on better armed criminals.

But the war is not over yet. As we approach the peak of this festive season, police must double their efforts and cast their net wider in the hunt for criminal elements. There is no shortage of these ranging from counterfeiters, to identity thieves, armed robbers, people smugglers and traffickers, and now, pirates.

Much-maligned

They must surmount challenges including lack of decent housing, poor salaries among others, to deliver a crime-free Kenya.

We hope Government sustains implementation of the reforms train to motivate the officers and inject new energy in the war on criminal elements. For the State to withholding Sh400 million in allowance arrears amounts to giving this crucial workforce the short end of the stick.

Rather than point fingers all the time, it is time this much-maligned department was lent support to fulfil its mandate so Kenyans can work, travel and sleep better.