PS Omollo On Implementation of Maraga Report

The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Interior Dr. Raymond Omollo Monday morning chaired a stakeholder’s meeting with Principal Secretary state department of of correctional service Dr. Salome M Biacco and United Nations official in a view to assess the progress of implementation of key reforms.

One such key reform is the implementation of the Justice David Maraga taskforce report:Refugee file and peace building and development

On 16th November 2023, the Taskforce on Police Reforms led by Chief Justice (Rtd.) David Maraga as Chairperson and KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki as the Vice Chairperson, presented its final report to the President of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Dr William Ruto at State House Nairobi.

The task force, which was sworn in in January 2023, was mandated to identify and recommend legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational reforms on effective service delivery by the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) and the National Youth Service (NYS).

While commending the taskforce for a remarkable dedication in discharging their mandate and effectively articulating the necessity and urgency of transformative changes in the security sector, President Ruto reiterated the government’s pledge to transform security services and to increase the State’s capacity to protect the people, their belonging, their freedom and their interests and to create an appropriate environment for enterprise, investment, commerce and industry.

He also said that the reforms are intended to ensure that the security service personnel are accorded the respect, support, facilitation and recognition that they deserve.

“We are therefore going to pay great attention to the numerous, well-considered recommendations made by the Task Force. Necessary changes to important instruments and measures, including policy, strategic, legislative and operational frameworks, shall be implemented by the government in line with the recommendations made by the Task Force,” said President Ruto.

The taskforce diagnosed four primary problems in the three services that have hampered effective and efficient service delivery, rendered them resistant to growth and transformation and collapsed their stature in the eyes of Kenyans.

The problems are, broadly, underfunding, deficient leadership, structural and organisational weaknesses and corruption.

President Ruto issued a directive to the relevant organs of government to commence implementation of the various recommendations of the taskforce, beginning with the following:

Alignment of the terms and conditions of service for the NPS, KPS and NYS with other security organs.

Review the pay, living conditions, medical cover, housing and other aspects of welfare for members of the services and simply do the right thing by our officers.

Review legislative and policy framework governing operations within the NPS, KPS and NYS to ensure better service to Kenyans, greater accountability, transparency, respect for the rule and integrity, and the subordination of these critical security services to civilian oversight and authority, in line with our deepening democratic credentials.

Institutionalise long-term equipment modernisation for NPS, KPS and NYS.

Automate human resource and finance management procedures in the NPS, KPS, NYS including processes for recruitment, transfer promotions and payments of salaries and allowances.

Implement the human resource policy on transfer for all officers in the three services to ensure no officer service for more than three years in the same county.
The government of Kenya in collaboration with United Nations is planning to hold refugees together as a way of improving their social and economic lives.

PS Omollo said that the key priorities the ministries of Interior and correctional services is to promote peace and development.