Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has established a technical committee to spearhead policy reforms for the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service (NYS).
This initiative follows recommendations from former Chief Justice David Maraga’s task force aimed at enhancing these institutions.
Gazetted on August 23, the committee comprises 13 members and seven joint secretaries. It is tasked with five core functions: evaluating proposed policy reforms, analyzing other reform reports, providing legal advice, drafting legislative bills, and formulating policy proposals.

State counsel Kepha Onyiso from the Attorney General’s office has been appointed as the Chairperson, with Musita Anyangu as Deputy Chairperson and Charles Otieno serving as technical adviser. The committee includes five other officials from the Attorney General’s office: Marion Muriithi, Seth Masese, Seko Brenda, Olivia Simiyu, and Buhere Jay Sikuku. Additional members are James Nombi, Susan Kamau, and Maurice Okoth from the Kenya Law Reform Commission, as well as Rogers Marindi and Dickson Magotsi from the Internal Security Department.

The joint secretaries are Peter Karanjah (Internal Security), Charles Ismael Otieno (NPS), Judith Chebet (NPSC), Festus Kinoti (Independent Policing Oversight Authority), William Kailo (government chemist), Nicolas Makokha (NYS), and Humphrey Young (State Department for Correctional Services).

The committee will also conduct regular meetings to review progress and create sub-committees as needed.
The Technical Working Group is expected to submit its findings to the Cabinet Secretary within nine months, though this timeline may be extended at the CS’s discretion, potentially delaying the implementation of reforms by over a year.

The secretariat supporting the committee will facilitate consultations with relevant agencies and oversee the development and implementation of the committee’s activities.
It will also prepare detailed reports on the committee’s progress.

Key areas under review include amendments to crucial legislation such as the National Police Service (Amendment) Bill, the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Amendment) Bill. Additionally, the National Correctional Services Policy and Kenya Correctional Services Bill are open for public input.
The committee will also work on the National Forensic Laboratory Bill and review various aspects of police training, including policy, curriculum, human resources, career progression, and welfare management.

The reform process is projected to require Sh108 billion.
Key issues identified include political interference in the NPS, corruption in recruitment and promotions, and the need for improved police training and remuneration.
The task force has recommended a 40% salary increase for the lowest-ranked constables, the creation of a dedicated budget sector for security services, and the automation of allowances to prevent misappropriation.