Gov't says over Ksh.100B needed for police salary reforms recommended by Maraga Taskforce

Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Thursday, Commission Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia highlighted key achievements, including recent salary reviews and promotions for nearly 2,000 police constables with clean records.

Kinuthia welcomed proposed amendments to the NPSC Act that would remove mandatory attendance requirements for members to meet quorum, stating, "The current provision violates Article 250 of the Constitution." 

He emphasized the Commission's commitment to aligning its efforts with the Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 and decentralizing human resource functions, but acknowledged the need for budgetary support for recruitment efforts this financial year.

At the same time, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo revealed that the government requires a staggering Ksh.106 billion to implement the recommended salary increases and allowances for officers in the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), and National Youth Service (NYS). 

Omollo noted that while some funding can be mobilized internally, additional resources are needed for a comprehensive modernization program. 

He remarked, "New money is required to implement recommendations touching on salaries and allowances," stressing that the process has been slow due to financial constraints and organizational culture resistance among officers.

Omollo detailed the phased implementation of salary increases, stating, "Phase one has been completed with a 20 percent increase, while phases two and three will add another 10 percent each." 

He also indicated that of the 598 recommendations from the taskforce, 271 relate to NPS, with 154 already implemented.

Despite progress, both Kinuthia and Omollo acknowledged ongoing challenges. Omollo admitted, "Implementing the recommendations of the Maraga taskforce report has encountered several challenges, leading to partial implementation affecting overall progress." 

He also emphasized the need for cultural change within the police force, saying, "We need to deal with culture change at various levels."

Lawmakers urged for the full implementation of the taskforce recommendations, with one member stating, "Kenyans want this report implemented to the letter. Four other reports have been made, and nothing has come out of them. This time, we don’t want this one to suffer the same fate."