The research shows that young people experience violation from the police at 64 percent against those above 35 years at 34 percent/FILE
The research shows that young people experience violation from the police at 64 percent against those above 35 years at 34 percent.
Interestingly, the report shows that police malpractices are higher in rural areas at 61 percent than in urban areas at 39 percent.
Speaking during the launch of the report, IPOA Chairman Macharia Njeru noted that despite the police service being dimmed by malpractices, 61 percent of the public have confidence in the police service to effectively discharge its duties.
Macharia said the report was not meant to criticise but to influence policy changes in the police service.
“Status quo and business as usual is not an option. However, change requires a new way of thinking and clear and determined plan of action. It also requires candour about the challenges we face,” he said.
“Positive public confidence on policing needs to be revived nurtured and sustained. The public and the police have welcomed external checks on the service.”
The report indicates 33 percent of Kenyans interviewed have experienced a form of malpractice in the past year. The cases range from assault, brutality, falsification of evidence, bribery and threat of imprisonment.
The Baseline Survey on National Policing Standards and Gaps polled 5,082 households in 36 counties and interviewed over 500 police officers between January and March this year.
Majority of police officers interviewed (54.6 percent) noted that low pay and lack of welfare incentives were the most important issues affecting them.
Speaking during the launch, the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said positive change within the service was achievable.
He said the service intend to use Sh4 billion committed by the government in this financial year to modernise the service.
H e noted that: “While we at the National Police Service are still studying the full report, I have in the meantime noted some preliminary key findings from the survey, especially that Kenyans want to see a more professional and effective National Police Service.”
“I believe positive change is within the service is within our reach if only we get the necessary resources,” he added.
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