NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION PRAISED

Kenyans have hailed the move by the National police Commission (NPSC) to nullify police recruitment in 36 centres following claims of irregularities affecting 1,215 recruits.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) announced the exercise will be repeated in the affected centres at dates to be announced later.

The bold move by the Johnston Kavuludi led commission has finally put to rest questions over claims that the whole exercise was marred by irregularities.

A survey carried out after the exercise showed that only 12% of those interviewed nationally wanted the whole exercise cancelled and carried afresh while an overwhelming 80% wanted it repeated in areas where irregularities were detected with 8% wanted the 10,000 recruits proceed to training without further delay.

Asked on what should be done to recruiting officers found to have taken bribes, 93% said they should be charged in court, 3% said they should be sacked while 4% said they should be demoted.

The respondents were asked how future police recruitment should be handled, 59% said the NPSC should hire recruiting officers who are not members of the police service while 11% said NPSC should contract reputable firms to conduct the recruitment while 21% said NPS should first conduct a serious vetting exercise to the recruiting officers while 9% said NPSC should do the recruitment.

According to reports from NPSC, the affected 36 centres were found to have fallen short of the standards. “Some recruitment centres fell short of the standards set by the commission and as such, the exercise in those centres needs to be annulled and a repeat of the same be undertaken,” said NPSC chairman Johnston Kavuludi.

The announcement by the NPSC through Kavuludi that members of the recruiting teams that participated in the exercise will be disciplined once investigations are complete has also won praises from across the country.

Investigations by Weekly Citizen reveal that there have been calls by members of the public that stern action should be taken against those recruiting officers who were engaged in acts of bribery. It is for this reason that the NPSC has acted according to the will of Kenyans to punish those who were compromised during the exercise.

The centres where the exercise will be repeated includes Tana Delta District Headquarters Centre, Mandera North Youth Centre, Rhamu Police Station, Merti DC’s Headquarters, Kinoru Stadium, Nguthiru Stadium, Umau Groungds, Njambini, Engineer Centre, Othaya Stadium, Gatanga Pri. School, Kandara Stadium, Kangema General Kago, Kigumo Bendera Sec. School, Police Division Headquarters Kapenguria and Sigor T. Centre.

Others are: DC’s office Chepkorio, Chesoi Primary School, Moi Girls Secondary School, Kapsabet Parade Ground, Maraba, Eldama Ravine Play Ground, Mpgotio P/Station Ground, Doldol T. Centre, DC’s Office Bahati, Njoro police Station, Narok Stadium, Ololunga Baraza Park, Maasai Technical School, DC’s Office Mashuru (Kajiado), Kipkelion Centre, Bomet Centre, DC’s Office Sotik, Isanjiro Pri. School, Kimilili Amtala Sports Centre and Amagoro Primary School.

The NPSC has been tasked with reforms in the police service a mandate that it has carried out diligently since its inception.