By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has made significant strides in enhancing the country’s safety and security, coordinating National Government programs, and improving access to essential services for citizens.
Key achievements include the operationalization of new administrative units, accelerated passport processing, and modernization of police equipment.
According to Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration,Prof. Kithure Kindiki,to bring services closer to the people, the Ministry has operationalized 18 new Sub-Counties and 3 Divisions.
Additonally, the government is set to operationalize 336 administrative units that have already been gazetted, a move that will enhance service delivery in various regions.
“To bring essential services closer to the people, 18 Sub-Counties and 3 Divisions have been operationalized. 21 Civil Registration Service (CRS) and 25 National Registration Service (NRS)offices have been opened in the last two years. The Government will operationalise 336 administrative units that have been gazetted,” stated Prof.Kindiki.
In the Immigration and Citizen Services sector, reforms have led to the resolution of the historical backlog in passport processing.
“With the acquisition of two additional modern and high capacity printers, resolution of procurement constraints and settlement of pending supplier bills, the passport processing time has been reduced to seven days from the date of application and will be further reduced to three days by the end of this year and eventually to 24 hours,” he added.
The Ksh. 37 billion, 5-year Police Equipment Modernisation program remains on track, aimed at equipping and protecting security officers while minimizing exposure to harm posed by dangerous criminals.
In line with recommendations from the taskforce chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga, the Ministry continues to implement key reforms in the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), and National Youth Service (NYS).
These reforms are designed to enhance the effectiveness of these vital institutions in maintaining law and order, managing correctional services, and empowering the youth.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Raymond Omollo (Internal Security and National Administration), Salome Muhia-Beacco (Correctional Services), Idris Dokota (Cabinet Affairs), Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs), Principal Administrative Secretary (NPS) Bernice Sialal, and Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service, Patrick Aranduh.
The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering effective reforms and services to enhance security, citizen welfare, and the overall coordination of National Government programs