MPs back IPOA’s call for funding independence and armed investigators
In the current fiscal year, IPOA sought Sh2.2 billion to fund its operations, but Treasury approved only Sh1.3 billion, covering 59 per cent of the request.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security has endorsed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority’s request for legal reforms that would allow it to manage its budget and equip officers with firearms, as it prepares to expand its team with over 300 new investigators.
The committee said giving IPOA control over its finances and operational powers would make it more effective in enforcing discipline and accountability within Kenya’s police service.
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In the current fiscal year, IPOA sought Sh2.2 billion to fund its operations, but Treasury approved only Sh1.3 billion, covering 59 per cent of the request.
Treasury also asked for a detailed breakdown of costs and staffing to justify the full budget.
Following a visit to South Africa, the committee recommended that IPOA draft a bill proposing amendments to the IPOA Act, particularly Section 34(3), to secure financial autonomy and eliminate the need for Cabinet Secretary approval in the budget process.
“In regards to amendments to the IPOA Act, IPOA should present to the Committee on Administration and Internal Security a draft Bill with the proposed amendments to Section 34(3) of the Ipoa Act to ensure Ipoa’s budgetary autonomy without the budget approval requirement by the Cabinet Secretary in the budget making process in addition to other proposed amendments related to the operations of Ipoa,” the report stated.
The committee noted that financial independence would allow IPOA to recruit more staff, especially investigators and legal officers, to strengthen compliance with regulations and enhance investigation quality.
“Ipoa needs to increase staffing requirements through prioritising the hiring of investigators to meet 404 approved posts and legal officers for quality assurance in compliance with the Ipoa regulations,” the committee said.
Currently, the authority operates with just 77 investigators, a small team tasked with overseeing about 120,000 police officers.
The shortage has affected Ipoa’s ability to tackle cases amid growing concerns over abductions, excessive force, and other misconduct by police in recent months.
Legislators also warned that dependence on donor funding could limit Ipoa’s independence, making financial control critical.
They said arming officers and expanding the workforce would strengthen the authority’s capacity to hold rogue police accountable.
The recommendations follow Ipoa’s engagement with South Africa’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum, aimed at fostering regional collaboration and enhancing cross-border policing oversight.
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