President William Ruto has revealed that implementing the David Maraga police taskforce reforms will cost the taxpayer over Ksh100 billion.

Speaking at State House on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Ruto said the findings by the team led by the former Chief Justice revealed several issues. Therefore, to fully implement what has been recommended, the government will undertake the process in phases with significant financial cost.

“Guided by the task force’s recommendations, the government has initiated a series of reforms, beginning with a 40% salary increase for the lowest ranks of the services, aimed at achieving a significant qualitative transformation of our nation’s security services.

“We appreciate the considerable financial implications of the full implementation of the changes prescribed by the Maraga Taskforce. It is estimated that it will cost us KSh106 billion to fully actualise these recommendations. Of this, Ksh22 billion will finance improvement in the compensation package for officers, while Ksh37 billion will go to upgrading of hardware as well as welfare reforms.

“Finally, Ksh45 billion is required to implement the modernisation of the services,” Ruto said.

The Head of State further said that the required funds to implement the reforms will largely be provided by the Exchequer and various partners. He also pointed out the issues that the police service faces and how they will be addressed.

“The findings of the task force revealed several issues, including obsolete policies and outdated practices, weak leadership, underfunding, and, most concerning of all, rampant corruption and numerous forms of gross malpractices, as well as poor human capital management, low pay, poor working and living conditions, inappropriate tools and equipment, and a lack of support for welfare concerns.

“As a result, trust between the public and the security services, which is indispensable for national security and the rule of law, has been severely eroded.

“Guided by the task force’s recommendations, the government has initiated a series of reforms, beginning with a 40% salary increase for the lowest ranks of the services, aimed at achieving a significant qualitative transformation of our nation’s security services,” he added.

Institutional changes

To Ruto, the recommendations will force institutional changes within the security sector, and the government will begin legislation to accompany the changes.

“The National Police Service Act, the National Police Service Commission Act, and several other foundational laws will be revised to align with contemporary needs and standards. New legislation, including the Kenya Correctional Services Bill and the National Forensic Science Laboratory Services Bill, will provide the necessary legal structures to support the changes we are implementing to modernise the security services and propel them to the highest standards of policing and best practice,” he continued.

The president also said that the implementation phase shall be addressed and resolved without delay through the established mechanisms.