Kenya seeks Sh20 billion for police digitization program
Kenya is pushing forward with its ambitious police digitization program, seeking Sh20 billion in funding to modernize operations and address inefficiencies that have long plagued law enforcement.
The National Police Service (NPS) unveiled the proposal during a security forum in Nairobi, with Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja highlighting the need for advanced digital infrastructure.
The funds will be used for network connectivity (Sh11 billion), digitization of police and citizen records (Sh4 billion), acquisition of ICT equipment (Sh3.5 billion), and software and new technologies (Sh0.93 billion).
A key feature of the modernization push is the introduction of a digital Occurrence Book (OB), expected to ease the process of reporting incidents.
The system will allow citizens to file complaints remotely, cutting down the need for physical visits to police stations.
“The digital OB will allow Kenyans to file complaints from the comfort of their home. We also hope to have instant traffic fines to increase transparency and accountability,” Kanja said.
The digital transformation is part of a broader strategy to curb corruption within the police force. Kanja said the service had invited the anti-corruption commission to assess gaps in its systems.
“There is a need to build capacity and effectiveness in the service. We need to improve transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized that the reforms will improve service delivery while reducing corruption.
“Digitization will help us to get rid of corruption and at the same time ensure that we raise revenue to implement our programs,” Murkomen said.
Another major reform under consideration is the introduction of body cameras for police officers.
Murkomen revealed that plans for their deployment were in the final stages, adding that the move would help promote accountability in law enforcement.
The government has pledged a multi-sectoral approach to police reforms, with Interior Ministry Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo noting that digital solutions will improve investigations and enhance public confidence in the police.
The digitization push aligns with the seven-year police reform strategy proposed by the National Task Force on Police Reforms, which aims to instill transparency and efficiency in the service.
With full implementation set for April 2025, authorities hope the digital transformation will mark a turning point in how policing is conducted in Kenya.