PS Omollo: Maraga Taskforce reforms 55 per cent implemented

The government has announced that implementation of reforms across Kenya’s key security institutions has reached 55 per cent, marking what officials describe as significant progress in transforming the sector.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who chairs the National Steering Committee on the Implementation of Reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service, said the country is steadily advancing in executing recommendations made by the Maraga Task Force.

Speaking during a press briefing, Omollo noted that notable milestones have already been achieved across the three services.

“There has been notable improvement in the implementation of the recommendations of the Maraga Task Force Report,” he said. “There is significant progress in implementing reforms in the three services.”

He added that the committee is optimistic about accelerating the pace of reforms, projecting that a substantial portion of the remaining work will be completed within the next year.

“Within the next one year, we expect to have achieved at least 40 per cent of the remaining recommendations,” Omollo stated.

According to the PS, the bulk of the reforms are concentrated within the National Police Service, with a considerable share also targeting the Kenya Prisons Service, while the National Youth Service continues to undergo structural and administrative improvements.

Omollo revealed that most administrative reforms outlined in the 2023 report have either been completed or are in their final stages.

“We have almost implemented all recommendations on administrative reforms as outlined in the report,” he said.

On officers’ welfare, the PS indicated that salary adjustments are being rolled out in phases in line with recommendations from the task force.

“Recommendations on remuneration are being implemented in phases. We will be rolling out the third phase in July,” he added.

To boost personnel capacity, the government has also embarked on fresh recruitment and training initiatives. Omollo disclosed that plans are underway to recruit 10,000 police officers, while 3,800 prison officers have already graduated and are set to be deployed.

Despite the progress, Omollo acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly in housing for security personnel. He noted that the government is working to bridge the gap through ongoing infrastructure projects.

“There remains a significant housing deficit across the services, but we currently have 5,000 housing units under construction to address this,” he said.

Senior government officials, including Public Service Commission Principal Secretary Dr Jane Kere Imbunya, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Mwiti, attended the press conference.

The high-level steering committee comprises key stakeholders from across government, including representatives from the National Treasury, the State Department for Correctional Services, the Public Service Commission, and oversight bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

The Maraga Taskforce report, released in 2023, proposed sweeping reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and welfare within Kenya’s security sector. Key recommendations include salary enhancements, improved housing, digitisation of police records, and restructuring of command systems to reduce political interference.