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It will cost the taxpayer a whooping Sh106 billion shillings for the government to fully implement the reforms in the security sector as proposed by the David Maraga taskforce.

From this amount, a total of Sh22 billion will be channelled towards improvement in the compensation package for officers, Sh37 billion will go to the upgrading of security hardware, as well as welfare reforms, while the remaining Sh45 billion is required to implement the modernisation of the security services.

While unveiling the Strategic Framework for Implementation of Reforms in the security organs including the National Police Service, National Police Service and the National Youth Service, President William Ruto said that the funds will largely be provided by the exchequer and for various other development partners that the government will engage.

“National Treasury will make adequate provision for funding to implement these interventions. Beyond legislation, we are also drafting new policies and revising old ones in order to redefine our national security landscape and chart a path to the future that is fully aligned with our constitutional framework as well as aspirations as a nation,” Ruto stated.

A raft of other proposed reforms, Ruto said, will require comprehensive institutional changes, beginning with legislation and policy changes.

“We are undertaking sweeping reforms of existing laws and introducing new ones that will form the backbone of our impounded national security programme. The National Police Service Act, the National Police Service Commission Act, and several other foundational laws will be applied to align with contemporary needs and standards,” Ruto said.

Other legislations that the government seeks to instigate include the Kenya Correctional Services Bill and the National Forensic Science Laboratory Services Bill, which will be crucial in providing the necessary legal structures to support the other non-financial changes that have been proposed.

On the other hand, the President noted that the Public Order Management Policy, Community Policing Policy, and the National Correctional Service Policy will be instrumental strategies aimed at ushering in a new era of community engagement and community cooperation in security matters.