Proper law enforcement is critical for Kenya to realize development goals, Independent Policing Oversight Authority Chairperson Anne Makori has noted.

“IPOA considers a professional Police Service as a critical enabler to the realisation of these goals through guarantee of a secure environment,” she said.

Mrs Makori was addressing senior police officers attending the Strategic Leadership & Command Course at the NPS Senior Staff College at Loresho, Nairobi.

The Chairperson was referring to National goals and visions – the Big Four Agenda, Vision 2030, Africa Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals amongst other national and international blueprints.

“This can only be accomplished through accountable and professional leadership. As IPOA, we view this training as an important milestone in enhancing professionalism and accountability in the National Police Service,” Mrs Makori also said.

She went on: “As senior NPS officers you are urged not to depart from Chapter 6 of the Constitution that provides for leadership and integrity. As public servants, we should all strive to inculcate integrity within our work environment as we discharge our statutory mandates in service delivery to the Kenyans.”

IPOA has previously made numerous recommendations to the NPS, including proposing building the institutional capacity of the Service through training.

The Course was established in 2015 and 93 Officers have since been trained.

It is offered in conjunction with Kenyatta University and UK College, to prepare commanders to adopt modern policing skills and to especially cope with the dynamic crime trends.

Speaking at the forum, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said training would help officers to be more responsive, effective and efficient in discharging their duties.