Government Moves to Fast-Track Police Reform Bills as Steering Committee Reviews Key Proposals

The government has intensified efforts to advance police reforms after the National Steering Committee on Police Reforms convened to review several key legislative proposals aimed at strengthening accountability, oversight and service delivery within the security sector.

The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo, focused on harmonising proposed amendments to major laws governing policing and oversight institutions.

According to officials, discussions centred on the proposed amendments to the National Police Service Act, the National Police Service Commission Act and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Act.

“The discussions focused on unlocking progress on the Bills by harmonising the revised proposals and addressing areas of overlap,” the committee said after the meeting.

The review is expected to pave the way for smoother processing of the legislation as the government seeks to modernise the country’s policing framework and improve institutional coordination.

The committee also noted progress on two additional pieces of legislation—the National Police Service Veterans and Fallen Heroes Bill and the National Forensics Bill—which have already been finalised and are now awaiting transmission to the Attorney General for further action.

“The Committee took note of the National Police Service Veterans and Fallen Heroes Bill and the National Forensics Bill, both of which have been completed and are ready for onward transmission to the Attorney General,” officials stated.

The proposed reforms form part of broader efforts to enhance police accountability, strengthen oversight mechanisms and improve forensic capabilities within the criminal justice system.

Among those who attended the meeting were Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi and Government Chemist William Munyoki, alongside other senior government officials involved in the reform process.

The government maintains that the legislative changes are critical to building a more professional, transparent and effective policing system capable of responding to emerging security challenges while safeguarding the rights of citizens.