Kenya is pushing ahead with sweeping reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service, despite a recent court ruling that partially challenged the process.
Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the reforms remain on course, insisting the court decision only affected 16 out of 271 recommendations made by the taskforce chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
“The ruling focused on the role of the National Police Service Commission, but it does not derail our mission. We are implementing the remaining 255 recommendations,” Dr Omollo said on Wednesday, during a breakfast meeting in Nairobi with members of the National Steering Committee—the apex body driving the reforms.
The committee includes principal secretaries overseeing the three services and the heads of each institution.
“As chair of the committee, I can confidently say we are on track,” Dr Omollo told attendees, citing gains in officer welfare, recruitment, salary reviews, and infrastructure upgrades.
He revealed that 50 per cent of the reforms have been fully implemented, while 30 per cent are in advanced stages. However, he acknowledged that key welfare reforms, oversight efforts, and anti-corruption initiatives have lagged behind.
“This reform journey isn’t just about systems and structures—it’s about restoring dignity, professionalism, and public trust in our security agencies,” he said.
Dr Omollo also noted that modernization plans—particularly within the Prisons Service—have faced major delays, with 70 per cent of targeted upgrades yet to begin.
To ease housing challenges, the government is constructing 10,000 units for prison officers under the State Department of Housing.
He urged the National Treasury to allocate more funds and called for joint action from security agencies, policymakers, and development partners to maintain momentum.
“Some recommendations don’t even need money—just action,” he added, calling on relevant commissions and technical committees to move faster.
Also present were Public Service PS Dr Jane Imbunya, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, and NYS Commandant General James Tembur.
Dr Omollo said the government will intensify stakeholder engagement, boost public awareness on the reforms, and seek technical support to fill capacity gaps.
“We owe it to our frontline officers to get this right. Their work underpins the peace, stability, and development of this country.”
