Ruto extends police taskforce mandate by two months

Sunday, 5th March 2023

President William Ruto has extended the term of the Police and Prison Reforms Task Force Kenya for a further 60 days.

The president made the announcement on Friday as he attended the pass out parade for the National Youth Service (NYS).

He said the extended period will allow for the taskforce to also accommodate the NYS.

“This morning I have instructed an extension of two months for the task force in charge of assessing the terms and conditions of service for police and prison service officers,” Ruto said.

The task force which was gazetted in December 2022, was given 90 days to seal the existing gaps within the operations of the police service and better the working conditions of security personnel.

Chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga, the taskforce has held meetings with various stakeholders over the past months, including the Interior Ministry, the National Police Service and the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority.

The task force is assigned with reviewing and recommending improvement of the terms and conditions of service.

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Kithure Kindiki said in January that the team exuded confidence that the taskforce will deliver on its assignment. “Recommendations from the taskforce will guide reforms within the National Police Service and the Kenya Prisons Service as the government seeks to professionalize the two Services and improve the terms and welfare of security officers,” the CS said.