National Assembly Security committee raises concern on status of police stations

The National Assembly Security Committee has raised concerns over the poor state of police stations in Kisumu County.

During an inspection of the stations, the committee noted there was need to improve the working environment for police officers.

It has emerged that cases were being reported under trees since some OCPDs and OCSs lack offices.

The committee noted that at the Kasagam Divisional Headquarters and Police Station, officers were recording new cases under a tree and a building meant for youth recreational centre was being used as cells.

Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir said they were looking for land in Chiga area where they would build a proper police station through the support of CDF.

Shabbir added that plans were underway and the construction set to begin by December.

Challenges faced

Committee chairman Paul Koinange said some of the challenges faced by the police included lack of vehicles, dilapidated structures and lack of necessary equipment.

Further, Koinange said they were assessing the situation to establish the number of police officers to be added to the stations, as well as vehicles and security gadgets.

“We need to provide more vehicles because you cannot visit a scene of crime if you have no transport. We need to provide more vehicles to police stations so that the officers can work effectively,” he noted.

Koinange said were concerns about the state of the stations and the deplorable conditions of police houses.  

The committee is set to tour more than 30 counties from where a report that will enable them decide on the future of the police service will be filed.