Nairobi: Police officers aged 50 and above are set to benefit from automatic promotions in a government initiative aimed at boosting morale within the service. Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, unveiled these recommendations during the Nairobi County Jukwaa la Usalama forum held at the Kenya School of Government, Kabete.
According to Kenya News Agency, the plan also includes promotions for Constables and Corporals with 15 years of service, and Police Inspectors with 10 years of service. Murkomen urged the Inspector General of Police to clarify the transfer policy to address the issue of officers stationed in operational areas for extended periods. The proposed policy aims to limit service in such areas to three years, ensuring officers have the opportunity to serve across various regions in the country.
Murkomen emphasized the need for a fair promotion policy based on performance rather than favoritism. He highlighted the government's efforts to improve the welfare of police officers, focusing on operational funding, mobility, and working conditions. Plans are underway to construct modern police stations equipped with CCTV to enhance service delivery.
The Cabinet Secretary also voiced support for the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), urging MPs to allocate funds for building police stations in their constituencies. He announced a revision in police recruitment numbers, increasing the target from 3,500 to 10,000 officers to address personnel shortages due to retirements and deaths, despite a court order halting recruitment.
Murkomen praised the Jukwaa La Usalama forums for fostering dialogue on security challenges, including illegal alcohol, drugs, and gender-based violence. He stressed the importance of public participation in addressing these issues and promoted a vision of a friendly police service respected by the public.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, several Members of Parliament, and Inspector General of Police Service, Douglas Kanja, among others.