By Fredrick Njuguna
Ministry of Interior has indicated that an estimated Ksh.108 billion will be required for implementing the police reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery, improving welfare, upgrading terms and conditions, and advancing the modernization program over the period from 2024 to 2028.
“The implementation of reforms to the National Police Service, Prisons and National Youth Service, focusing on service delivery improvement, welfare enhancement, improved terms and conditions, and the modernization programme, will need an estimated Ksh.108 billion spread over the period from 2024 to 2028,” the ministry of interior stated.
Speaking During a roundtable meeting with international development partners and donors, the Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the necessity for collaborative effort, updating attendees on the progress and strategic framework for implementing these reforms.
Interior Principle Secretary, stated that the successful realization of the reforms hinges on collaboration between the government and other key stakeholders, including donors.
‘’As a Ministry, we remain committed to the full implementation of these reforms and it is one of our key deliverables that we will be making among other deliverables,” he said.
While commenting on the status of the implementation of the reforms, Omollo said that the Interior Ministry has rolled out a strategic framework to ensure a strategic and coordinated approach to reform priorities.
PS Omollo disclosed the ministry had fully implemented 51 per cent of the 598 recommendations presented by Justice Maraga in November 2023 since they only required administrative action.
He said the ministry required additional resources to implement 178 recommendations (29 per cent).
“There were recommendations that require financial input and there have been commitments both by the government and our partners to be able to finance and support its implementation,” he said in a meeting with development partners.
Further, Omollo stated that internal consultations for Police Laws and NYS reform began in May, adding that several agencies, including the National Police Service (NPS), National Youth Service (NYS), National Police Service Commission (NPSC), and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), were finalizing proposals for a review of various legislation, including the development of new laws.
He added that the National Assembly, the Office of the Attorney General, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, and the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions have availed the necessary technical support.
Omollo indicated the strategic plan comprised four main areas: human resources, operational readiness, institutional capacity development and leadership, and oversight and accountability.
The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan lauded the progress made in the implementation of the reforms adding the UK will continue to support the process and work closely with the Interior Ministry.