Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat made an unannounced visit to the Mwiki Police Station in Kasarani, underscoring his commitment to improving police service delivery and ensuring accountability within the Kenya Police Service. This visit comes amidst ongoing efforts to digitize police operations and address issues related to transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
During his visit, DIG Lagat encountered residents waiting for assistance, a situation that prompted immediate scrutiny of the station’s conditions. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the station, remarking that maintaining a clean environment is a leadership issue rather than a financial one. “Making sure a station is clean does not require finances. It is an issue of leadership which should be looked into,” Lagat said. His remarks highlight his focus on enhancing internal standards and operational discipline within the police force.
The DIG also conducted an inspection of the station’s holding cells, further emphasizing his commitment to assessing and improving conditions at police facilities. This hands-on approach is part of his broader strategy to engage with various institutions and ensure they meet required standards. Lagat has pledged to continue these impromptu visits to monitor service delivery and address complaints received from the public.
In an effort to modernize and streamline police operations, the Kenya Police Service is undergoing a significant transformation with the digitization of the Occurrence Book (OB). This initiative, which is part of a larger government policy to digitize critical services, aims to enhance transparency and accountability. The digital OB will allow for real-time reporting of crimes and other incidents, reducing the potential for manipulation and loss of records.
So far, 76 police stations in and around Nairobi have had their OBs digitized, with plans to expand the initiative to other parts of the country despite financial constraints. The transition to a digital system is intended to address concerns about the disappearance of files and improve the overall efficiency of crime reporting. Lagat emphasized that the digital OB aligns with the government’s goals of modernizing service delivery and ensuring that records are uneditable and closely monitored by various levels of command.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had previously advocated for the digitization of the police OB to address issues of file manipulation and to provide a more secure and reliable method of recording incidents. The digital OB is expected to facilitate more efficient and transparent reporting, as well as enhance the ability to track and review records accurately.
In addition to the digital OB, the police are also working to improve their complaints system through the Gava Mkononi platform. This system will allow citizens to file complaints against officers and monitor the progress of investigations. By integrating a civilian review component and enhancing accountability, the ministry aims to foster greater trust and integrity within law enforcement.
DIG Lagat’s proactive approach and focus on digital transformation reflect a broader commitment to reforming the Kenya Police Service. His efforts to address immediate concerns at Mwiki Police Station and his advocacy for technological advancements underscore a significant shift towards more accountable and efficient policing in Kenya. As the digital OB rollout continues and other reforms are implemented, the public will likely see improvements in both the quality of service and the transparency of police operations.
