In a significant move towards tackling corruption within Kenya’s security sector, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Abdi Mohamud, paid a courtesy call to the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS), Douglas Kanja, on the morning of January 25, 2025.
The meeting, held at the IG’s offices at Jogoo House, saw both leaders, alongside other senior officials, engaging in productive discussions focused on strategies to curb corruption within the operations of the National Police Service.
Accompanying the Inspector General during the meeting were the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohammed I.
Amin, and other key senior officers. The gathering was seen as an important step in strengthening the collaboration between the EACC and the NPS to improve accountability, transparency, and the ethical conduct of police officers across the country.
In the course of the meeting, the two leaders explored critical ways to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the police force, focusing on combating corruption both within police ranks and in interactions between officers and the public.
This follows growing concerns about corruption and unethical practices in law enforcement, which have been widely acknowledged as significant barriers to effective policing in Kenya.
Mohamud, the EACC CEO, emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to prevent corruption, urging the police service to prioritize internal reforms, including the establishment of robust systems for monitoring officer conduct.
He also called for greater collaboration between the EACC and NPS in investigating and prosecuting corrupt practices, stressing that public trust in law enforcement is key to maintaining peace and security.
The Inspector General, Douglas Kanja, assured Mohamud and the EACC that the NPS was committed to fostering a culture of integrity and transparency.
He affirmed that the police service would continue to work closely with the EACC in rooting out corruption and ensuring that officers uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
“We recognize the importance of maintaining public trust, and it is essential for us as the National Police Service to act with the utmost integrity,” Kanja said during the meeting.
“We are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that corruption is eliminated from our ranks and that we serve the public with fairness and respect.”
The Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohammed Amin, echoed the sentiments expressed by Kanja, highlighting the crucial role of the DCI in leading investigations into corruption within the police service.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that corrupt officers are held accountable through thorough investigations and fair legal processes.
The discussions also covered ongoing efforts to implement reforms within the NPS, with a focus on improving training programs for officers, strengthening mechanisms for public accountability, and fostering a zero-tolerance policy for corruption within the ranks of the police.
In addition to their talks on corruption prevention, both leaders also discussed the importance of community engagement and the role of the police in promoting safety and security.
They noted that a more transparent and accountable police service is crucial in building trust between the police and the communities they serve, a sentiment shared by many Kenyans who have called for greater reforms within the security sector.
The meeting is expected to lead to concrete actions aimed at addressing the systemic issues of corruption within the National Police Service and is part of a broader strategy to ensure that law enforcement agencies in Kenya operate with the highest levels of accountability and professionalism.
This collaboration between the EACC and NPS comes at a time when the Kenyan public has expressed growing concerns over police misconduct, including bribery, abuse of power, and extrajudicial killings.
Both the EACC and NPS have expressed a shared commitment to ensuring that the police service is a symbol of law and order, not only through effective crime-fighting but also through adherence to ethical standards and the rule of law.
As investigations continue and reforms are implemented, there is optimism that Kenya’s police service can overcome its current challenges and emerge as a more trusted institution, aligned with the principles of justice and accountability.
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