Implementation of Maraga report on police reforms remains top priority - PS Omollo

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to implement police reforms as recommended in the Maraga Report.

The report was in November last year, handed over to President William Ruto who pledged to ensure it is implemented.

The task force led by former Chief Justice David Maraga was set up in December 2022 to identify the legal, policy, administrative, institutional, and operational constraints on effective service delivery by the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) and the National Youth Service (NYS) (the Services), and to review the welfare and the terms and conditions of service for members of the three Services.

In a roundtable meeting between the government and different Development Partners Interior PS Raymond Omollo said the reforms' implementation and the incorporation of Development Partners remained part of the National Government's multilateral approach to addressing security concerns.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP) Brig (Rtd) John K. Warioba, Amb Katarina Zuffa of the Slovak Republic, and Dr Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator among other top official where the strengthening of the foundations of security as well as utilising the multi-sectoral approach and promoting inter-agency coordination was widely discussed.

Security management

PS Omollo stressed the importance of management of security in the planning, budgeting, monitoring and delivery of security-related programmes.

Omollo said reviewing the salaries of police officers is a top agenda of the government.

"Today, we gather to review our collective achievements, acknowledge the challenges, and chart a path forward for the year 2024," said Omollo.

Dr Omollo said over the past year, the partnership between the government and development partners has been defined by a spirit of cooperation, solid commitment, and tangible results.

"With the invaluable support of our development partners, we have made demonstrable strides in Security Sector Reforms by enhancing the capacity of our security agencies," said Omollo.

The PS also announced that police reforms are still top of the Government's agenda as he gave a detailed presentation on its implementation at the forum.

"It is crucial that we get it right this time, as this is an issue that has seen varying levels of success over the years. Special appreciation is extended to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for initiating the implementation of the reforms," added Omollo.