Police boss in place early 2012, says Saitoti

Internal Security minister George Saitoti has announced that Kenyans can expect to have an Inspector General of Police and two deputies in early 2012.

He made the announcement when he outlined the ongoing police reforms at the third Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation conference Tuesday.

Prof Saitoti told the conference that the reforms in the police are part of the preparations for the elections. He, however, said that some aspects of the law had to be adjusted in order to fit in the new requirements of the police.

“Police will play a huge role leading up to the elections, during the elections and after the elections. Fundamental changes must be made to address new challenges,” said Prof Saitoti.

He noted that the country has already enacted three laws – National Police Service Act, National Police Service Commission Act and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act – relating to police reforms. He added that the Private Security Industry Regulation Bill and the National Coroners Service Bill are currently being reviewed.

Prof Saitoti added that 7,000 recruits were enlisted into police training colleges in May under a new curriculum while a similar number will be enlisted early 2012.

“A new recruitment criteria and procedures that allows greater participation and accountability to the public was developed and implemented during the May 2011 recruitment,” sad Prof Saitoti.

He also told the conference that his Ministry is in the process of procuring more vehicles for the police to boost their capacity adding that the service has a shortfall of 7,000 vehicles.

Prof Saitoti said that the government has revived 150 Districts Peace Committees and will be holding a peace and reconciliation conference in January 2012.

He added that the Ministry is also working closely with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to take prompt action against hate speech.