The new board members of the Independent Police Oversight Authority (Ipoa) will face significant challenges, including a backlog of police brutality cases awaiting investigation, a strained relationship with the police, and declining public confidence.
The recruitment process for these new members has begun following the departure of the Anne Makori-led team, whose six-year term ended last month. The outgoing board’s terminal report highlights the extensive workload awaiting their successors, noting that as of June, there were 4,333 cases under investigation and additional cases requiring attention.
Efforts to decentralize the authority fell short, with only one regional office established instead of the targeted eight. The report indicates that new board members will need to revive these efforts, as well as address the unfinished task of enacting and implementing Ipoa regulations. Although the former board drafted and gazetted the regulations, they have yet to be reviewed by the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation.
The report emphasizes the need to expedite this process to provide a clear legal framework for Ipoa’s operations and ensure accountability in its activities. Additionally, the former board recommended amending Ipoa’s enabling legislation to resolve conflicting issues, broaden its scope to include other security agencies, and clarify its exclusive oversight of the police.
Besides the National Police Service, Ipoa aims to oversee agencies like the Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service. The new board will also need to review internal policies to align them with constitutional standards, covering areas such as investigations, staff welfare, and anti-corruption measures.
The report points out that Ipoa is severely understaffed, leading to delays in handling complaints and investigations. The heavy workload on current personnel contributes to slow case resolutions, which undermines public confidence in Ipoa’s effectiveness.
Moreover, Ipoa’s investigators lack firearms, leaving them vulnerable while conducting investigations into armed officers. This situation revives calls for equipping technical personnel, investigators, and analysts with weapons to ensure their safety during their duties.
