Kenya's second National Police Service Commission just completed its six-year run. Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia led this group from March 2019 until recently. They followed the first commission under Johnston Kavuludi, which wrapped up back in October 2018. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently welcomed Kinuthia's team for a final meeting at his office.
The departing group included many top officials, such as Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, and DCI Chief Mohammed Amin. Several commission leaders attended as well, including Vice Chairperson Dr. Alice Otwala and CEO Peter Leley. Murkomen praised their work implementing the Maraga Taskforce recommendations, especially regarding police salary reviews and promotions.
President William Ruto had asked the Maraga team to examine problems within three key security services: the National Police, Kenya Prisons, and National Youth Service. They looked at legal, policy, and operational issues blocking effective service delivery. The departing commission updated Murkomen about their progress in automating police recruitment to increase transparency. They discussed system improvements that would block corruption opportunities.
The Maraga team delivered their findings to President Ruto last November at the State House. They discovered these services face numerous challenges, including widespread corruption and inadequate funding. Poor human resource management and structural problems plague these organizations. The report stated that most police jobs went to people who could pay bribes or relatives of politically connected individuals.
Traffic police received particular criticism during public hearings across all 47 counties. Citizens described roadblocks as corruption collection points where money moved upward through police leadership ranks. President Ruto ordered immediate action on these findings, including removing roadblocks completely. He also mandated forty percent pay increases for officers across all three services.
The outgoing commission leaves behind significant reforms but also highlights ongoing challenges within Kenya's security services. Their work implementing the Maraga recommendations began addressing long-standing issues affecting police welfare and operations. The next commission will need to continue these efforts, especially regarding recruitment transparency and anti-corruption measures throughout the police force.
The departing group included many top officials, such as Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, and DCI Chief Mohammed Amin. Several commission leaders attended as well, including Vice Chairperson Dr. Alice Otwala and CEO Peter Leley. Murkomen praised their work implementing the Maraga Taskforce recommendations, especially regarding police salary reviews and promotions.
President William Ruto had asked the Maraga team to examine problems within three key security services: the National Police, Kenya Prisons, and National Youth Service. They looked at legal, policy, and operational issues blocking effective service delivery. The departing commission updated Murkomen about their progress in automating police recruitment to increase transparency. They discussed system improvements that would block corruption opportunities.
The Maraga team delivered their findings to President Ruto last November at the State House. They discovered these services face numerous challenges, including widespread corruption and inadequate funding. Poor human resource management and structural problems plague these organizations. The report stated that most police jobs went to people who could pay bribes or relatives of politically connected individuals.
Traffic police received particular criticism during public hearings across all 47 counties. Citizens described roadblocks as corruption collection points where money moved upward through police leadership ranks. President Ruto ordered immediate action on these findings, including removing roadblocks completely. He also mandated forty percent pay increases for officers across all three services.
The outgoing commission leaves behind significant reforms but also highlights ongoing challenges within Kenya's security services. Their work implementing the Maraga recommendations began addressing long-standing issues affecting police welfare and operations. The next commission will need to continue these efforts, especially regarding recruitment transparency and anti-corruption measures throughout the police force.
