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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has established a National Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of reforms proposed by the Maraga Taskforce.
This initiative covers the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service (NYS) over the next three years.
The committee, led by Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, includes Principal Secretaries from National Treasury, Correctional Service, Public Service, and Cabinet Affairs.
Other members comprise the Solicitor General, Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner Generals of Kenya Prisons and NYS, as well as the Chairpersons of the National Youth Service Commission and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
Additionally, representatives from the Chief of Staff, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Service Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission, National Youth Service Council, and the Kenya Law Reform Commission are involved.
The committee’s mandate, formalized in a notice on September 13, involves coordinating and supervising the reforms, developing a strategic implementation framework, and overseeing technical working groups. It will review recommendations, ensure timely funding, manage communication strategies, and ensure coordination with relevant government bodies and stakeholders.
The committee will also prioritize immediate actions based on the National Taskforce Report and oversee technical guidance and resources mobilization for the reforms. It aims to create a detailed implementation plan, monitor progress, and evaluate reform outcomes.
Previously, a technical committee was appointed to review and propose policy reforms for these services, following a report by the Maraga Taskforce. This technical committee, established on August 23, 2024, will analyze proposed policy changes, review other reports, provide legal advice, and draft relevant bills.
The committee’s work is expected to take over a year, with an emphasis on transparency, professionalism, and community engagement. The task force highlighted issues such as political interference, corruption, inadequate oversight, and recommended substantial salary increases and better allowances for police services.
The government estimates the cost of implementing these reforms at Sh108 billion, and the task force called for political support and adequate resources to ensure successful reform execution.
