The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched a nationwide initiative to rebuild public confidence in security and governance institutions, particularly the National Police Service.
Dubbed TRUST 47, the initiative will be implemented across all 47 counties.
It will provide a platform for dialogue between citizens, police officers, independent government institutions and civil society organisations on accountability, human rights and public service delivery.
IPOA chairperson Dr Duncan Ojwang, accompanied by his deputy Ann Wanjiku, said the initiative would give citizens an opportunity to engage directly with institutional leaders and raise concerns affecting them.
Ojwang spoke in Eldoret during a meeting with representatives of independent government institutions, non-governmental organisations and journalists.
He said TRUST 47 seeks to promote transparency, dialogue and cooperation between state agencies and the public, particularly as Kenya prepares for the next General Election.
“It’s all about bringing government institutions closer to the people, creating an open platform where citizens can raise their concerns, engage directly with leaders and help rebuild public confidence in public institutions,” Ojwang said.
Uasin Gishu county police commander Wilberforce Sicharani said the National Police Service was committed to working with human rights defenders and other institutions to improve service delivery and strengthen relations with communities.
“Through TRUST 47, we want to strengthen dialogue, transparency and accountability across all 47 counties by ensuring that citizens have an opportunity to engage with institutions mandated to serve them,” Sicharani said.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in maintaining security while respecting constitutional rights and freedoms.
“We cannot succeed each on our own as institutions because we serve Kenyans and should do so to the best of our ability,” he said.
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, from the Centre Against Torture, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards rebuilding public confidence in government institutions through open dialogue, public participation and accountability.
Kirui said involving citizens in discussions on the performance of public institutions would help address grievances and strengthen accountability among government officials and agencies.
The TRUST 47 initiative is expected to provide a nationwide platform for engagement between citizens and public institutions, focusing on accountability, respect for human rights and restoring public confidence in government.
