Maraga team sworn in with an eye on reform

Retired Chief Justice David Maraga was yesterday sworn in as chairperson of a task force that will oversee reforms at the National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service.

The team is expected to consider pay and allowances, medical cover and other welfare issues of the officers.

The Maraga-led task force will also assess, consider, review and recommend the nature, quality and standard of the uniform for the services’ officers as well as for inmates.

Maraga, who will be deputised by Carole Kariuki, will chair the task force that also includes Moffat Muriithi Kangi, John ole Moyaki, Ibrahim Jillo Guyo, Richard Kirundi, Elizabeth Mueni, Roseline Odede, Joash Odhiambo Dache.

Others are Doreen Muthaura, Albert Mwenda, Terry Chebet Maina, Hassan Sheikh Mohamed, Simiyu Werunga, Mutuma Ruteere, Anne Ireri, Stephen Kayongo, Jafaar Mohamed and Sammy Chepkwony.

Chief Justice Martha Koome yesterday also swore in Commissioners of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA).

“In your hands now lies the protection and realisation of one of the most transformative features of the 2010 Constitution: devolved governance,” she said.

“When one appreciates that equitable sharing of our national resources is at the centre of the promise of devolution, it becomes easy to appreciate that the work of the CRA is critical for the success of the project of devolved governance.

She urged the CRA to always bear in mind the nation’s history of marginalisation of some areas of the country that has often contributed to dissatisfaction by some of the compatriots.

The CJ said the appointment of the Maraga team came at an opportune time, given that the work of the task force will serve to catalyse effective service delivery by the police and Prisons Services.

The two institutions are crucial for the enforcement of law and security within the country.

“Indeed, our criminal justice sector cannot function effectively when our men and women in the police service and prisons service are not motivated and enabled with a conducive environment to discharge their mandate,” she said.

She urged the task force to work towards the realisation of the constitutional dream of “democratic policing” and a prisons service that pursues the constitutional goal of “reformation and rehabilitation of offenders”.

“The oath which you have taken today should guide you in your day-to-day work. According to the oath, you must never depart from”, she said.

After the swearing-in, the team met Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

“The Government is committed to improving the terms and conditions of service for officers within the security sector, including NPS and KPS. It is intended to reform the NPS and KPS by professionalising their service and modernising their equipment,” he said.