Starting April 2025, Kenyans will no longer need to physically visit police stations to report incidents, a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing effort to modernize the National Police Service (NPS). Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announced that this change is part of a broader initiative aimed at digitizing police services to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for citizens.
The government, in collaboration with development partners, is working to introduce digital systems that will transform how police services are accessed and managed. Among the key features of this modernization are a digital platform for reporting incidents and a new system for processing traffic fines. Additionally, the implementation of a digital Occurrence Book (OB) is expected to improve the accuracy and security of police records.
The OB, a critical tool for documenting incidents and events at police stations, has long been plagued by concerns of tampering and manipulation. In response to public complaints about missing files and compromised records, the government is investing in technology to ensure that entries in the OB are uneditable, easily traceable, and protected from unauthorized changes. This move is part of a larger Sh28 billion modernization plan announced in December 2024, which aims to improve the overall functioning of the NPS.
During a recent meeting with European Union Ambassador Henriette Geiger, Omollo emphasized that the digitization process would bring significant improvements in policing practices. President William Ruto, who has committed to seeing the modernization process through to completion, highlighted that the digital OB is just the beginning. The government is also focusing on acquiring new equipment, vehicles, and weapons to ensure that police operations are well-equipped to tackle modern challenges.
As the digitization of the NPS unfolds, it promises to transform policing in Kenya by reducing bureaucracy, enhancing accountability, and offering a more seamless and transparent experience for the public. This initiative is expected to strengthen public trust in law enforcement and help build a safer, more efficient Kenya.
