President Uhuru Kenyatta has introduced reforms he says will improve efficiency and service within the police department. The changes touch on the command, uniform, housing and training in Administration Police, Kenya Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Under the changes, several different divisions and their functions will now be integrated. Many more positions will be eliminated.
12 senior police posts, including Administration Police (AP) Regional Commander, Kenya Police Regional Commander, Directorate Criminal Investigation (DCI) Regional Commander, Kenya Police County Commander, AP County Commander, DCI County Commander, sub-county commanders from all the three arms on the National Police Service , OCPD, District AP Commander and AP Ward Commander have all been scrapped.
AP camps and chief’s camps where a majority of the APs are stationed will be gazetted as police stations. The regular police, DCI and APs housed in the same facilities will be under a single command.
President Kenyatta stated that his action removes duplication of duties and will transform security for Kenyans.
Junior police officers will now enjoy house allowances, after the mandatory housing in quarters was abolished in the policy framework launched by President Kenyatta. The officers will now be required to use their allowances to acquire private rental property.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also unveiled new uniforms for General Duty Police Officers. It consists of Persian-blue shirt / blouse, Persian-blue pair of trousers and a beret with the same colour
“The uniform will enhance better visibility for the officers,” said President Uhuru as the uniforms were showcased at the Kenya School of Government.
The Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has been asked to implement the changes with immediate effect. The National Treasury has also been asked to operationalise financial provisions with immediate effect.
