PS Omollo: Police reforms in Maraga report to cost Sh108 billion

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo. [File, Standard]

It will cost taxpayers a whopping Sh108 billion to implement former Chief Justice David Maraga's taskforce reform recommendations.

This is according to Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo.

“The government needs Sh108 billion to implement far-reaching reforms in the police, prisons service and National Youth Service(NPS),” said Dr Omollo in a statement sent to newsrooms on Friday.

The PS also said the reforms will be implemented in four years, from 2024 to 2028, in line with a strategic framework guiding the process.

Omollo said the framework, which was developed in consultation with stakeholders, has identified four key areas of reforms.

They include leadership in the three services: oversight and accountability, institutional capacity development and human resource management and development, as well as operational preparedness and logistical capability.

“As Kenya moves forward, the success of these reforms will hinge on their effective implementation and the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders,” PS Omollo said.

The Maraga taskforce made a total of 598 recommendations, with the National Police Service accounting for the majority at 271, followed by the National Youth Service (NYS) at 210, and finally Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) at 117.

According to the PS, already 221 (37 per cent) are being implemented immediately through administrative actions.

“One hundred and seventeen (29 per cent) recommendations require funds to be implemented without need for policy or legislative action; 178 per cent) recommendations require policy and or legislative actions and funding; while 22 per cent) require consultations and policy guidance,” added PS Omollo.

The taskforce, which was gazetted on December 21, 2022, had 90 days to seal the existing gaps within the operations of the police and prison services.