Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki has taken a bold step to improve Kenya’s security sector.
He’s created a technical committee to reform the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service (NYS).
This move follows recommendations from former Chief Justice David Maraga’s task force.
The committee consists of 13 members and seven joint secretaries. Their task is to analyze and develop comprehensive policy reforms.
Moreover, they’ll review existing reports, offer legal advice, draft bills, and create policy proposals.
These changes aim to address longstanding issues in Kenya’s security apparatus.
Their main fucus is to tackle political interference in the NPS, work to eliminate corruption in hiring and promotions. They will revise police training programs.
Additionally, they’ll restructure the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and re-assess the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU).
The government is serious about these reforms. In fact, they’ve allocated a whopping Sh108 billion for implementation.
One key recommendation stands out: creating a “Disciplined and Security Services Sector.” This would include the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Intelligence Service (NIS), NPS, Kenya Prisons Service, and NYS.
Furthermore, this new sector would have its own budget, potentially improving resource management.
The task force hasn’t forgotten about officer pay. They’ve proposed a 40% increase in basic salary for the lowest-ranking officers.
Higher ranks would see increases based on a decompression ratio. Also, non-uniformed NPS members might get a new allowance to improve their working conditions.
Transparency is another crucial goal. To prevent misuse of funds, the task force suggests automating all allowance payments. These would go directly into officers’ bank accounts.
The committee has nine months to submit their report. However, the Cabinet Secretary can extend this deadline if needed. This flexibility ensures thorough, well-thought-out reforms.
While presenting the report, Maraga called out the government for not implementing previous recommendations. Moreover, He urged the government for political goodwill in the implementation of the reccomendations.