Most of the security sector reforms are already being implemented as only 16 out of the 271 reform recommendations proposed by the taskforce headed by former Chief Justice David Maraga have been affected by the recent court ruling.

The Interior ministry has said reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service have not been derailed and are being fast-tracked for the benefit of the country.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi had ruled that President William Ruto violated the Constitution and therefore the 23-member taskforce was unconstitutional and any decision made by it is equally unconstitutional, null and void.

According to the Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, the government was obliged to the decision of the court and would seek judicial redress while continuing to implement the 255 recommendations that were not affected by the verdict.

The reforms include improved salaries, housing, medical and group life insurance, enhanced training, and the introduction of modern facilities and technology across security agencies. The police has already rolled out a comprehensive medical insurance scheme, which includes a mental health care plan for all officers and their dependents.

NPSC role challenged

The court decision, Dr Omollo said, primarily focused on the role of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and challenged only 16 out a total of 271 recommendations.

The PS was speaking yesterday at a Nairobi hotel while presenting a report card on the reforms during a breakfast meeting with members of the National Steering Committee – the apex organ spearheading the implementation of the proposed changes.

He said the accelerated changes had already borne fruits, and attributed the success in implementing the reforms in the three services to support from stakeholders. Already 50 percent of the recommendations of the taskforce on the reforms had been implemented successfully.

The National Steering Committee is composed of among others the principal secretaries under whose dockets the services fall and the heads the of the three organisations. The government has said the reform agenda was central to enhancing accountability, operational efficiency, and welfare of officers.

Welfare improvements

Currently, another 30 percent of the recommendations are being implemented, including critical areas such as capacity and welfare improvements, salary reviews, recruitments and modernization of infrastructure.

The report, however, indicated that the implementation of some welfare-related reforms, oversight and anti-corruption efforts lagged behind.

“The reform journey is about restoring trust, dignity, and professionalism in our security institutions. These are the men and women who stand at the frontline to safeguard our nation, and we should provide better working environments, adequate tools, and clear policy direction,” he said.”

The report identified funding shortfalls, bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed policy development, and low stakeholder engagement as the main obstacles to the timely execution of the reform agenda.

Notably, modernization plans aimed at improving operational preparedness and logistical capacity have experienced significant delays, with up to 70 percent of prison service modernization reforms yet to commence.

Equally, the government, through the State Department of Housing was constructing houses for officers in the three services. A total of 10,000 housing units are earmarked for the officers of the Kenya Prisons Service, he said.

The PS called for enhanced resource allocation from the National Treasury and emphasized the need for collaborative action among security agencies, policymakers, and development partners for the reform agenda to continue with the momentum.