Saitoti launches police reforms team
Internal Security minister George Saitoti (right) and Philip Ransley, the Chairman National Task Force on Police Reform during the team's launch at Harambee House, Nairobi. Photo/LIZ MUTHONI
What you need to know:
- The task force begins work after it was inaugurated by Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti.
Prof Saitoti says the task force should be guided by the Waki and Kriegler reports and Vision 2030 in carrying out its work.
The team appointed to spearhead reforms in the Kenya police force has said it will recommend changes that will guarantee security for all Kenyans.
Chairman of the Task Force Justice (Rtd) Philip Ransley said the reforms will enable police officers work without fear or favour when serving the public and will work hard within their limited mandate.
“We’ve a very short time, until end of July, and if we run out of time we shall request for an extension,” said Justice Ransley.
“We will be sitting on a daily basis and we are asking the public to come forward.”
The task force formally began work on Monday after it was inaugurated by Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti.
The 18-member team is expected to submit its report to President Kibaki by July 31.
The team, Justice Ransley said, would strive to deliver the report within the stipulated period.
Prof Saitoti said the task force should be guided by the Waki and Kriegler reports and Vision 2030 in carrying out its work.
“Sophistication in crime and emerging new trends continue to pose threat of security, necessitating to review the police structure,” he said.
The minister said findings by the task force would be implemented alongside other reforms initiated since 2004.
“The government has drafted several Bills which are at different stages of legislative process,” said Prof Saitoti.
The task force will recommend comprehensive reforms after reviewing the force's existing policy, institutional, legislative, administrative and operational structures.
The team will also review the state of preparedness of the force in case of a security threat in the country.
It will also review police readiness to combat organised crime, terrorism, piracy, drugs and human trafficking, cyber crime and money laundering.
The task force will also record written and verbal information from professional bodies.
Other members of the team include: the Attorney General, five permanent secretaries, the Law Reform Commission, Kenya Institute of Public Policy, Research and Analysis (Kippra) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson.
