The government, through Interior PS Raymond Omollo, has confirmed incoming major reforms targeting police officers that will improve their discipline, enhance welfare, and strengthen operational efficiency within the police service, amid uproar over police brutality in the country.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In an interview aired by different media stations on Tuesday, May 19, the PS said the reforms are designed to address long-standing challenges that the service has faced over the years, including police misconduct, gaps in welfare provision, and other inefficiencies.

According to the PS, the ministry is fast-tracking the continuous training of police officers. The ministry says that from time to time, police officers will be required to undergo refresher courses to keep up with the evolving security challenges and modern policing standards.

"We are taking the officers back to refresher training to ensure they are updated on new developments and better equipped to serve the public," Omollo stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

Another key change that the executive has undertaken involves restructuring deployment policies . Under this reform, police officers will now be transferred after serving in a station for a maximum of three years.

Omollo argues that the move will help prevent personal interests from reducing complaints from the public and will also improve professionalism within the service.

Previously, officers could remain in one station for over a decade, a situation the PS says contributed to stagnation and, in some cases, laxity in the execution of duties.

"There have also been administrative reforms. Previously, police officers would remain at one station for over 15 years, which contributed to complacency and reluctance in delegating duties. Under the current system, officers are transferred after serving at a station for a maximum of three years," he added.

In terms of police readiness to protect lives and properties during protests, the government says it is increasing investment in equipment and logistics for officers, particularly those deployed during security-threatening situations like demonstrations.

This is to ensure that officers are adequately equipped with tools like teargas to minimise cases where live ammunition is used in extreme situations.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke