A contingent of GSU officers on their way for a mission in Tana River in 2012. Photo/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20 – Vetting of all police officers will begin in June, according to the chairman of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Johnston Kavuludi.
The commission will consult an international security expert, the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board as well as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission before embarking on the exercise.
“The commission in preparation has scheduled a two-day retreat for May 27 and 28 where an internationally renowned police expert on vetting is expected to advise the commission and in attendance will be the Independent Policing Oversight Authority,” Kavuludi explained.
Interviews for County Commanders, whose application deadline is May 28 will take place concurrently.
“The vetting of police officers in the service is expected to begin in June when we are carrying out interviews for the directorates at the police headquarters and the county commanders. That will also in itself serve as the initial stage in the vetting process.”
Kavuludi reiterated that it is not necessary for the officers who apply for the 47 County Commander posts to be degree holders given the job advert read; “Or any other equivalent qualifications and have served in the Police Service for at least 15 years.”
In the meantime, Inspector General David Kimaiyo has said provincial police heads (PPOs) will remain in office until the transition to County Commanders is complete and the various police directorates have been set up.
“As soon as we set those processes in place and some of the officers who are in charge of the provinces have taken some of the positions which will be advertised.”
The NPSC would also like the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General to be added to those provided for in the National Police Service Act and be a rank between the two Deputy Inspectors General and the County Commanders.
“This proposed rank is intended to address the critical issue of firming up the command structure and making it more consistent and for it to flow smoothly,” Kavuludi explained.
The Service Standing Orders which are under the purview of the Inspector General are also under review.
“The regulations will be touching on how we carry out our transfer processes, how we carry out appointments and promotions. These regulations, we believe as a commission, will go a long way particularly in addressing better execution of concurrent functions given in the constitution and other legislation to the commission and the National Police Service,” said Kavuludi.
About The Author
