Police set to digitise operations, replace analogue OB records
By Oliver Musembi and Mathew Ndungu, March 11, 2025National Police Service is to go fully digital with the expected introduction of instant traffic fines and replacement of Occurrence Books (OBs).
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said measures are underway through the recently launched Police Strategic Plan to get rid of OBs and introduce electronic recording of incidents where one is not expected to go to a police station.
“We want to ensure automation of all police stations and we shall start by digitizing the occurrence book. The hard book that is found in the police stations will be kicked out, and replaced by the digital OB.
“People will be able to report incidents from the comfort of their homes, offices, or anywhere,” said the IG who maintained that this will be part of his legacy.
He spoke in Kiambu County when he officially opened the Thika Community Chapel built jointly by the police and the local community on Sunday. He was accompanied by his Deputy Eliud Lagat and National Police Service Commission Chairman Eliud Kinuthia.
Kanja also said through the new system, there will be instant fines for traffic offenders which is going to save time and reduce incidents of corruption.
“We want instant fines to be brought on board because you are aware that for many years police department has been perceived to be number one in terms of corruption. Instant fines will reduce the interaction between our officers and the public,” Kanja stated.
On rising cases of harassment of journalists by policemen while covering volatile events, the IG said such incidents were isolated, but regrettable.
“Our position is that the police service works very closely with the media because we are in the same space and we operate together. If we have one case here and there, that does not reflect the official position because we need each other,” Kanja emphasised.
He added: “We expect our officers to operate within the frameworks of the law and to execute their duties within the law. That is what I and the DIGs have been emphasizing to them.”
He also noted that a review of salaries and terms of service for police officers is ongoing as well as improvement of housing.
“We want our officers to be accommodated within their stations to enable them discharge their duties effectively and efficiently. That is why housing is an area I am very keen on,” the IG stated.