The government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive police reforms as part of ongoing efforts to bolster national security and restore public trust in law enforcement.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said the reforms are central to the government’s broader transformation agenda aimed at safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans, which he noted are essential for sustainable national development.
Speaking during the official opening of the newly constructed Kasagam Police Station in Kisumu, Dr. Omollo announced that the government has already implemented 50 percent of the recommendations made by the National Taskforce on Police and Prison Reforms, chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
“The reforms which encompass improved salaries, housing, medical and group life insurance, enhanced training, and the rollout of modern facilities and technologies are progressing steadily,” he said.
The government, he said, was committed to upholding recent court pronouncements and ensuring that all reforms are implemented in line with the rule of law, while staying attuned to the practical realities of the country’s security landscape.
“We must equip, protect, and dignify our officers. When we empower them, we empower the nation. These reforms mark just the beginning of broader initiatives to strengthen our security infrastructure and improve the lives of those we serve,” he added.
The PS commended Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir for allocating funds from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the construction of the Kasagam Police Station. He noted that the new facility would ease the workload of officers and improve service delivery in the region.
Dr. Omollo was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, NG-CDF Board Chairman Olago Aluoch, and MP Shakeel Shabbir.
He praised police officers nationwide for their unwavering efforts in maintaining peace and security, citing a marked decline in insecurity, including a significant reduction in banditry incidents.
The PS further lauded IG Kanja for his decisive leadership in spearheading the ongoing reforms.
“We are proud of your leadership in the National Police Service. Under your stewardship, transformative programs are being rolled out that reflect genuine concern for not only the work our officers do but also their dignity and working conditions,” Dr. Omollo said.
Inspector General Kanja, in his remarks, emphasized the critical role of community policing and called on residents to actively participate in efforts to maintain peace and support law enforcement.
NG-CDF Chairman Olago Aluoch reiterated the board’s commitment to supporting the security sector through infrastructure development.
He revealed that over the last two financial years, NG-CDF has invested Sh 1.8 billion in the construction of police stations, posts, chiefs’ camps, and administrative offices across the country.
“Our goal is to support the Kenya Police Service in enhancing service delivery and ensuring the safety of all Kenyans,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
