Police body cameras rollout delayed over budget constraints, Murkomen tells MPs
Murkomen was responding to a question from Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who had sought a statement on why the ministry has not implemented body-worn cameras for all police officers involved in arrests, interrogations, and the custodial transfer of suspects.
Police officers are yet to start using body-worn cameras due to budgetary constraints, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has told Parliament.
Murkomen was responding to a question from Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who had sought a statement on why the ministry has not implemented body-worn cameras for all police officers involved in arrests, interrogations, and the custodial transfer of suspects.
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Passaris specifically wanted to know why the rollout had not begun and the timelines for introducing the technology across all police operations.
“The use of body-worn cameras is critical in enhancing transparency and accountability in police operations. The ministry has come up with a modernisation program aimed at upgrading its security equipment, like the digitisation of the police occurrence book and instant fines for motorists in a phased rollout plan. Given the capital-intensive nature of the police modernisation program and owing to the budgetary constraints, the Ministry is already engaging with key stakeholders to mobilise resources and support toward its realisation,” Murkomen told Parliament.
He added that the Ministry is lobbying for more budgetary allocations from the National Treasury to meet logistical and operational needs.
“Once additional budgetary proposals are approved and funds are disbursed, the Ministry will implement the modernisation of police equipment, including body-worn cameras, in a phased approach,” he said.
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