NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is advocating for its mandate to be expanded to include civilian oversight of other armed state agencies such as the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forestry Service (KFS), and the Kenya Prisons Service.
This call comes amid growing concerns about accountability in these agencies, particularly in situations involving the use of force during public protests or security operations.
In an interview on Spice FM on Monday, IPOA Chairman Issack Hassan emphasized the necessity of broadening civilian oversight to ensure that agencies involved in law enforcement and security operations are held accountable when incidents of abuse of power, enforced disappearances, or fatalities occur.
Currently, IPOA’s mandate is limited to overseeing the National Police Service, leaving a gap in independent monitoring of other armed agencies.
“We are recommending the extension of IPOA’s powers to cover not only the police but also other armed state agencies like the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Forestry Service. These agencies are armed and involved in operations where the use of force occurs, yet there’s no independent mechanism to hold them accountable when incidents like deaths or disappearances happen in game parks or forests,” Hassan stated.
The call for a broader mandate comes in the wake of incidents where KWS, KFS, and Kenya Prisons Service officers have been involved in controversial actions, but no independent body has been tasked with investigating these incidents.
IPOA’s expansion, Hassan argues, would help bridge this oversight gap, ensuring that all state agencies operating in security-sensitive areas are held to the same standard of accountability as the police.
In addition to advocating for broader oversight, Hassan addressed ongoing discussions about IPOA’s role in investigating criminal activities involving police officers.
While he acknowledged the political sensitivities around this matter, he reiterated that civilian oversight is essential to ensure democratic policing practices, which include holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct.
“Accountability is a cornerstone of democratic policing,” Hassan added. “When police officers are involved in wrongdoing, an independent body must be allowed to investigate and take necessary actions. IPOA’s role is vital in maintaining public trust in law enforcement.”
Hassan also highlighted the need for reform in the police training curriculum to further promote accountability within the service.
He pointed out that the current curriculum lacks a specific focus on human rights, an essential component of modern policing that is often overlooked.
“The training of police officers needs to evolve. I had a conversation with some officers last week, and some of them told me that since they left Kiganjo, they have never gone back to any training session. They have been working for even 20 years without a refresher course,” said Hassan. “We need to introduce regular refresher courses so that officers continuously improve their conduct and performance. Officers must understand they are not just a police force; they are a police service.”
On the matter of accountability, IPOA has made notable progress.
Hassan revealed that out of 267 cases the authority has handled, 106 have been concluded in court, resulting in the conviction of 37 police officers, many of whom are currently serving prison sentences.
These convictions highlight IPOA’s commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining public trust in the police.
The push for expanded oversight and police reform comes at a time when concerns over police brutality and the use of excessive force in Kenya continue to make headlines.
IPOA’s calls for reform in both police training and oversight of all armed agencies are aimed at creating a more transparent and accountable law enforcement system in Kenya.
