Kindiki gazettes National Steering Committee to implement Maraga Taskforce police reforms

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has appointed a National Steering Committee to oversee the Maraga Taskforce reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service for the next three years.

The committee which will be chaired by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, includes Principal Secretaries from National Treasury, State Department for Correctional Services, State Department for Public Service and Cabinet Affairs.

Other members are the Solicitor General from the State Law office, the Inspector General of the National Police Service, the Kenya Prisons Service Commissioner, National Youth Service Commandant, along Chairpersons of the National Youth Service Commission and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

The Steering Committee also includes representatives from the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Public Service Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission, the National Youth Service Council, and the Kenya Law Reform Commission.

Joint secretaries from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration and the State Department for Public Service will also be involved.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration has appointed the National Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service (hereafter referred to as “National Steering Committee”),” reads the gazette notice dated September 13, 2024.

The National Steering Committee has been tasked with coordinating and supervising the implementation of the reforms.

According to Kindiki, it will provide technical guidance, adopt a strategic framework, and ensure the smooth execution of the reform agenda.

Review recommendations

The committee will also oversee technical working groups, review their recommendations, and ensure timely funding to support the reforms.

Additionally, the committee will spearhead communication strategies, capacity building, and change management throughout the process. It will ensure coordination with other government agencies, development partners, and the private sector while prioritising quick wins from the Maraga Taskforce report for immediate implementation.

The committee will also be responsible for mobilising resources, preparing quarterly progress reports, and conducting studies or research as needed.

It will develop a detailed plan in line with the task force’s recommendations, and monitor the reform's progress over the next three years.

The CS said the committee will regulate its procedures, hold meetings as necessary, and may establish sub-committees to facilitate its work.

“The address of the National Steering Committee shall be: Reforms Unit, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Harambee House, P.O. Box 30510–00100, Nairobi,” Kindiki said.

The Maraga-led task force, appointed by President Ruto in December 2022, proposed comprehensive reforms to improve welfare, efficiency, and service delivery in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service.

Key recommendations included a 40 per cent salary increase for police officers, better allowances, and the creation of a specialised "Disciplined and Security Services Sector."

The team urged modernisation of equipment, restoration of the Police Airwing, and restructuring of traffic police.

Additionally, they called for the vetting of top prison and police officers, the relocation of NYS to the Ministry of Interior, and a return to the old police uniform while a new design was developed.