Ombudsman and IPOA launch joint framework to address police conduct concerns

Ombudsman and IPOA launch joint framework to address police conduct concerns

In a joint statement, the organisations said the initiative seeks to strengthen the resolution of citizens’ complaints on public service delivery as well as those involving the police.

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have committed to a joint framework to address public concerns over police conduct.

The two institutions will also jointly monitor the upcoming police recruitment and by-elections.

In a joint statement, the organisations said the initiative aims to enhance the resolution of citizens’ complaints regarding public service delivery, as well as those involving the police.

"Emphasising the need for a close working relationship between the two institutions to advance their mandates, the Chairpersons resolved on modalities for effective resolution of complaints, including through referral arrangements of complaints of each institution. This, they noted, would increase satisfaction among citizens and increase public confidence in public service," they said.

Joint meeting

The resolutions were reached at a joint meeting chaired by Mr Charles Dulo (CAJ) and Mr Ahmed Issack Hassan (IPOA), with Commissioners and technical teams present.

Attendees included IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi; Commissioners Hon. Charles Kanyi (CAJ), Dr Micah Onyiego (IPOA), and Kenwilliams Nyakomittah (IPOA); as well as CAJ CEO Mercy Wambua and IPOA CEO Mr Elema Halake.

Raise awareness

The two independent bodies also agreed to launch a nationwide programme to raise awareness among the public and police officers about their constitutional roles, to improve service delivery and ensure fair administration of justice.

Dulo and Hassan further called for automation of services to boost efficiency and expand reach, including setting up service desks at Huduma centres across the country.

"To actualise their constitutional mandates, the two institutions agreed to share data and work jointly to monitor the upcoming police recruitment and by-elections. Further, they agreed to monitor public order management by the police and undertake civic education," they added.

The meeting, held at the CAJ offices in Nairobi, was part of both institutions’ strategy to build partnerships and collaborations to better fulfil their mandates.

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