Alternative means to a method: introducing informal methods of policing in Kenya to improve police accountability and transparency.
Date
2020-11
Authors
KARANJA, LYNETTE MUTHONI
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 clearly posits that members of the National Police Service have the mandate to prevent corruption and beyond practicing, promote the notions of accountability and transparency. The transformation of the police sector began in 2002 during President Kibaki’s regime. However, even with the laws put in place and the formation of relevant commissions and authorities such as the Independent Police Oversight Authority, some of the members of the police service still continue being corrupt by asking for bribes from the general public amongst other vices. Additionally, as seen in the media and news reports, some still mistreat the citizens of Kenya and infringe of fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom from physical or mental maltreatment and inhumane treatment.
Description
After the election of President Kibaki in 2002, in his political agenda, he set out to reform the police sector and those reforms have brought about positive but gradual progress and respect of human rights by the police. Looking at the history of police in Kenya, before the Kibaki regime, the police service was used as a tool for political oppression by those who were in power and authority. Over the past decade, police reforms has involved improving accountability and transparency amongst police members. Relevant commissions and authorities have been formed and various laws amended to enforce police accountability and
transparency.