Amidst dwindling public trust in government institutions, especially law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration are undertaking several reforms to improve performance and boost confidence among the public.
The good news was delivered to a ululating public gathering at Wundanyi by the cabinet secretary (CS) of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, during the commissioning of a modern block for Taita sub-county police divisional headquarters and Wundanyi police station.
“We’re working from the top downwards to rebuild public trust through strict adherence to professional conduct, service delivery, and our daily interactions with our citizenry,” said Prof. Kindiki.
The CS said that the national government and its agencies are moving away from an era when public intimidation and misuse of power donated by the sovereign were the norm and are instead building public confidence through selfless service.
One of the reforms announced by Prof. Kindiki is an organizational culture change aimed at overriding the idea that law enforcement agencies are enemies of the people and instead nurturing mutual trust between officers and the public.
He further said that his ministry is rolling out a code of public engagement ethics among law enforcement agencies and will inform the new dawn of prioritizing service to the public.
“We’re at an advanced stage of rolling out our code of public engagement ethics that will redefine our commitment to public service without intimidation, prejudice, or harassment,” said Prof. Kindiki.
The tough-talking CS read the riot to officers under his ministry, and by extension to all public servants, to start treating the public with respect in their line of duty.
“You have no option but to treat our people with respect because they not only pay your salaries but have also donated to you the power to serve and defend them,” said Prof. Kindiki.
He also touched on the rampant corruption among law enforcement agencies and said anyone caught taking a bribe would face the full force of the law.
By Arnold Linga Masila
