The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government held the Inaugural National Policing Conference at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete.

The event whose theme was “Harnessing Synergy, Accountability and Effectiveness in Today’s Dynamic Policing Environment,” brought together officials from state agencies including National Police Service, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Judiciary and Independent Policing Authority. It also had representation from the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Presiding over the official opening of the conference Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, called upon the civil society organizations to inform the public of the milestones the government has made in enhancing security and restoration of order. He asked organizations not to simply concentrate in condemning the government as though there are only negative incidents that a government is characterized of.

The CS pinpointed Mt. Elgon and Kerio Valley regions, among other insecurity prone areas in Kenya which the civil society organizations have failed to give credit to the government for the realized calm. According to him, the civil society organizations are only associated with agitations for the government to account for cases of police brutality and misconduct. “This is an opportunity for us to reflect and talk and discern the way forward on how we can enhance security in our country. Through a well sustained engagement we have an opportunity to enhance security in our country for social economic development. But it is important also to recognize the milestones realized,” said Dr. Matiang’i.

The CS said that the Ministry will hold the conference on an annual basis, remaining upbeat that the initiative will provide a platform for ideas from all players in the security sector to be generated. He further urged the civil society organizations to focus on sensitizing the public on how to exercise their rights peacefully. The CS warned that the government will not give in to individuals seeking to frustrate security efforts in the country.
“As a government we cannot condone abuse of human rights by individuals who want to achieve their self-serving interests. I challenge the civil society to educate the public on how to exercise their rights peacefully,” he said.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Interior Coordination, Dr. Karanja Kibicho, acknowledged that the Ministry has identified the need of inward looking and it will embed operations on continuous improvement to enhance security.
On his part, the Kenya School of Government Director General, Dr. Ludeki Chweya, lauded the government for working round the clock to ensure security of its citizens. He pointed out, however, that everybody has a role in policing, urging the various institutions designated to ensure security to peg their operations on team work.

Dr. Chweya also informed the participants that the School is in the process of forming a Kenya School of Government Alumni Association. He urged those who have attended various programs at the School to accept the invitation to join the association, which will form a crucial forum for sharing ideas.“It is foreseeable that this conference will complement efforts by the government to improve security in the country. It will also form account for cases of police brutality and misconduct. “This is an opportunity for us to reflect and talk and discern the way forward on how we can enhance security in our country. Through a well sustained engagement we have an opportunity to enhance security in our country for social economic development. But it is important also to recognize the milestones realized,” said Dr. Matiang’i.

The CS said that the Ministry will hold the conference on an annual basis, remaining upbeat that the initiative will provide a platform for ideas from all players in the security sector to be generated.He further urged the civil society organizations to focus on sensitizing the public on how to exercise their rights peacefully. The CS warned that the government will not give in to individuals seeking to frustrate security efforts in the country.
“As a government we cannot condone abuse of human rights by individuals who want to achieve their self-serving interests. I challenge the civil society to educate the public on how to exercise their rights peacefully,” he said.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Interior Coordination, Dr. Karanja Kibicho, acknowledged that the Ministry has identified the need of inward looking and it will embed operations on continuous improvement to enhance security.

On his part, the Kenya School of Government Director General, Dr. Ludeki Chweya, lauded the government for working round the clock to ensure security of its citizens. He pointed out, however, that everybody has a role in policing, urging the various institutions designated to ensure security to peg their operations on team work.
Dr. Chweya also informed the participants that the School is in the process of forming a Kenya School of Government Alumni Association. He urged those who have attended various programs at the School to accept the invitation to join the association, which will form a crucial forum for sharing ideas.

“It is foreseeable that this conference will complement efforts by the government to improve security in the country. It will also form basis for laying a strong foundation for engagement amongst all players in security,” said Dr. Chweya.
The conference, which sought to provide a platform for discussions detailing security strengthening in the country, was attended by among others the National Police Service Inspector General, Mr. Joseph Boinnet and Chairperson National Police Service Commission Mr. Johnston Kavuludi.

BY DOUGLAS MOCHAMA AND PAULINE NGURUKIE