The Ministry of Interior has introduced strict new reporting protocols for police custody incidents, a move interpreted as an attempt to shift the internal culture of the National Police Service (NPS) toward transparency and institutional accountability.
While past directives have focused on damage control after incidents, this latest move mandates that any serious injury or death in custody be reported within six hours, with all events documented in detail. Officers will now be held responsible not just for their actions, but for the completeness and timeliness of their reports.
“This is about changing behavior within the system not just following a rulebook,” a senior official within the Ministry noted privately, suggesting that the reform is as much about internal discipline and mindset as it is about public image.
The statement issued on Thursday, April 24, underscored that the changes are meant to “enhance accountability and protect human rights” a nod to long-standing criticism of the police service’s conduct in custody cases. For years, civil society groups have raised concerns about underreported incidents and the lack of swift accountability mechanisms.
The new framework also makes clear that oversight is not optional. Officers are expected to cooperate fully with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), with additional investigations triggered automatically in serious cases. The law also requires a written explanation for any reporting delays closing the door on the long-practiced culture of silence and procedural gaps.
“This is a long-term investment in institutional trust,” the ministry emphasized, pointing to the broader ambition of reshaping public perception of the police force from a reactive entity to a professional body grounded in rule of law.
As Kenya grapples with the legacies of police excesses, this directive may mark the beginning of a new era one where internal accountability is not a matter of public pressure, but an ingrained standard of service.
