Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- In a bold move aimed at cleaning up its ranks and restoring public trust, the National Police Service (NPS) has unveiled a toll-free hotline system for reporting corruption and rogue officers.

This initiative marks a significant step in the fight against institutionalised bribery, extortion, and abuse of office, vices that have plagued the Kenyan police for decades.

In a statement, the service said the new hotlines, 112, 999, and 911, are not just emergency contact lines anymore.

Kenyans can now use them to report police corruption anonymously and without fear of retaliation or victimisation.

Additionally, the Internal Affairs Unit’s Anonymous Reporting System (ARIS) and the #FichuaKwaDCI tip line (0800 722 203) will provide multiple, confidential channels through which the public can expose misconduct.

The announcement, made on Friday, May 23, outlined a strategy aimed at fighting corruption within the NPS.

The release emphasised that under the National Police Service Act, corruption is not only a criminal offence but also a breach of disciplinary code, an offence that NPS vowed to take head-on.

"The Service has adopted a multipronged approach to improve efficiency in preventing and combating corruption, including the swift, firm, and fair handling of misconduct complaints, particularly those implicating police officers in corrupt practices.

To strengthen anti-corruption efforts, the NPS has established internal accountability mechanisms, including Quality Assurance Directorates within the Services and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU)," said police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

A key component of the anti-graft push is technology, with NPS actively digitising its services, a move designed to eliminate face-to-face interactions that often provide room for bribes.

Processes such as the payment of cash bail, issuance of police abstract forms, and traffic fines are being transitioned to automated platforms.

The service has partnered with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct a sweeping review of all internal systems.

This review is expected to unearth vulnerabilities that allow corruption to thrive, from procurement loopholes to case handling irregularities.

Already, the Internal Affairs Unit is receiving and reviewing complaints daily, with whistleblowers guaranteed protection through the confidential tip lines.

"To reinforce this commitment, the Inspector General of the National Police Service has further reminded all commanders that they shall be held personally accountable at their mandated levels and bear direct responsibility for any conduct that compromises professionalism and erodes public trust," Nyaga added.

As earlier reported, Inspector General Douglas Kanja announced that the upcoming police recruitment would be conducted online to combat corruption and enhance transparency.

He explained that digitising the process would close loopholes previously exploited for bribery and favouritism.

Kanja emphasised that technology would ensure only qualified candidates advance.

Source: TUKO.co.ke