Police OB now digitized as 5,000 Gov't services availed online

The government has digitized the police Occurrence Book (OB) as part of its transition to incorporate over 5,000 services online.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, in a statement to newsrooms on Friday, said the OBs had been digitized in a bid to ease reporting and recording of crimes as well as do away with cases of manipulations at police stations.

The ministry argues that the public has been raising concerns about the disappearance of files at police stations, hence the digital OBs will help to keep tabs on government records.

"The police Occurrence Book (OB) has also been digitized, a move that will facilitate more efficient and real-time reporting of crimes and security incidents in the country," read the statement.

"The digital OB was conceptualized to eliminate manipulation and disappearance of case records since complaints, statements, and details of criminal activities made at police stations will be uneditable."

The Prof. Kithure Kindiki-led ministry made the announcement after the unveiling of digital government services dubbed Gava Mkononi at the KICC on Friday by President William Ruto.

The transition to digital services  is meant to ease access to online services, with Kindiki’s Interior docket including four services with an ultimate goal of eliminating corruption by cutting out physical interactions and brokers.

In line with enhancing accountability to police officers, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration will also incorporate a police complaints system and civilian review of law enforcement officers on the Gava Mkononi platform.

Citizens can use the platform to file complaints against any officer to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), while at the same time the State agency can post the progress of investigations.

"The digitization drive will also enhance the police complaints system and civilian review of law enforcement officers," added the statement from the ministry.

"Any member of the public can file a complaint against police to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), with the Authority expected to post the progress of investigations into the deaths and injuries caused by the officers online."

CS Kindiki further noted that the State was also working to include the processing of good conduct by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

"Progressive strides are being taken towards enhancing the processing of police clearance, with a number of capacity adjustment measures targeted at streamlining and expediting the issuance of the certificates by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)," Kindiki stated.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), has also included its services on the platform where one can access licenses for importation and exportation of alcoholic drinks online.

Rehabilitation centres will also be accredited by the authority digitally, with those struggling with addiction also expected to request virtual and in-person training through the same platform.