Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo provided insights into the distinct roles of Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), while unveiling plans to introduce body cameras for police officers to enhance accountability.
Speaking during an interview with Pulse Kenya and other digital media outlets, Omollo clarified the operational boundaries of these key security agencies.
The National Police Service (NPS) serves as the frontline in law enforcement, responsible for maintaining law and order in communities across the country.
These are the officers most visible to the public, performing duties such as managing traffic, responding to emergencies, and receiving reports at police stations.
Their primary role is to ensure immediate public safety and the enforcement of everyday laws.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), on the other hand, delves into the more complex realm of criminal investigations.
This department based along Kiambu Road is tasked with handling intricate cases that require specialised resources and expertise.
Omollo pointed out that the DCI focuses on assembling detailed evidence to facilitate the prosecution of serious crimes.
Unlike the regular police, their work often involves prolonged investigations and the use of advanced forensic techniques to solve cases
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) operates as the country’s eyes and ears, gathering intelligence to prevent security threats before they occur.
Omollo described their work as primarily covert, focusing on understanding both positive and negative developments within society.
The service plays a crucial role in ensuring that law enforcement agencies, including the police and DCI, have actionable intelligence to guide their operations.
Body Cameras to Curb Corruption and Misconduct
During the interview, PS Omollo also revealed that the Ministry of Interior is working on implementing body cameras for police officers.
This initiative is part of broader reforms recommended by the Taskforce on Police Reforms, which retired Chief Justice David Maraga led.
Body cameras, which have been successfully used in other jurisdictions, are expected to address concerns about police misconduct and corruption.
PS Omollo stressed that the technology would be a gamechanger by providing an accurate record of interactions between police and the public..
The presence of cameras, he added, would encourage discipline and responsible behaviour among both officers and citizens, as people are more likely to act appropriately when they know they are being monitored.
Who Will Wear Body Cameras?
When asked whether detectives from the DCI would also wear body cameras, Omollo clarified that the initiative primarily targets public-facing police officers.
He explained that detectives and intelligence officers often operate discreetly to gather sensitive information, and equipping them with visible recording devices could hinder their effectiveness.
However, he noted that mechanisms for identifying officers during public interactions, such as questioning, would be considered to maintain transparency.
Broader Anti-Corruption Measures
Omollo also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to digitise public services, significantly reducing cash transactions and opportunities for corruption.
“By increasing digitised services from 300 to 20,000, we have drastically reduced the appetite for bribes in accessing government services,” he noted.
Additionally, the ministry has improved the terms and conditions of service for police officers to discourage unethical practices.
Omollo called on Kenyans to take collective responsibility in the fight against corruption, emphasising that bribery requires the complicity of both the giver and the taker.