Silverio Omari
The government requires Sh108 billion to implement extensive reforms in the police, prisons service, and National Youth Service, according to Interior and National Coordination PS Raymond Omollo.
Omollo stated that these reforms will be executed over four years, from 2024 to 2028, following a strategic framework developed with stakeholder consultation. This framework highlights four key areas for reform: leadership in the three services, oversight and accountability, institutional capacity development, and human resource management and development, along with operational preparedness and logistical capability.
“As Kenya moves forward, the success of these reforms will hinge on their effective implementation and the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders,” Omollo said in a statement.
In December 2022, President William Ruto established a task force on police reforms led by retired Chief Justice David Maraga. The task force’s report, submitted to the President in November 2023, recommended significant changes for the National Police Service, the Prisons Service, and the National Youth Service.
The recommendations included enhancing logistics, mobility, and equipment for the National Police Service, the Prisons Service, and the NYS to improve their operations and service delivery to the public.
The report also addressed issues such as political interference in the National Police Service, corruption in employment and promotions, the police training curriculum, inadequacies within the National Police Service Commission, the role of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for National Security, and the structure of the Internal Affairs Unit in the police.
Maraga emphasized the need for political goodwill in implementing the recommendations, noting that similar proposals in the past were not enacted. “It also became clear that the reform recommendations stand little chance of being implemented if the leadership issues are not addressed,” the retired Chief Justice said.
On Friday, Omollo affirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the implementation of the task force’s report.
