“There are numerous officers who are performing mundane duties that do not directly relate to keeping Kenyans safe. I would like to see more officers on the frontline protecting Kenyans. We should never be accused of serving the high and mighty in society at the expense of ordinary mwananchi,” he stated.
He said he will work together with the National Police Service Commission and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to lobby the national government and national assembly for adequate financial allocation to ensure the welfare of officers in terms of remuneration, proper kitting, housing, transport, equipment, medical cover and other requirement are catered for.
“The existing police pay structure is archaic, it has not factored in the tremendous changes in police responsibilities over the years,” said Kimaiyo.
The Inspector-General stated that he will in turn require police officers to be proactive in solving problems of insecurity in the country instead of merely complaining about it.
“As a career officer I have always felt that policing is one of noblest professions that a person can undertake.” He added, “I can say with confidence that dedicated police work can bring one incredible rewards and responsibilities. Police officers should feel very proud of what they do; it is a calling.”
The Inspector General of Police is a new post created in the Constitution to oversee operations of both the regular and administration police services. The IG will be deputized by two officers in charge of each of the two police arms.
The appointment of the two deputies has encountered resistance after the President and Prime Minister settled on two men, creating a legal limbo as the law says one of the three positions must be occupied by the opposite gender.
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga challenged Kimaiyo to speed up reforms in the police department especially during this period when the country is nearing the elections.
“I challenge you to speed up reforms in the police department to ensure that the police are at par with the reforms as required by the constitution,” said Mutunga.
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