Independent Policing Oversight Authority is seeking strengthened relations with human rights organisations with the aim of ensuring police officers are accountable to the public.

In doing so the Authority hopes to tap into a vast network that the organisations have established at the grassroots and therefore enhance its reach.

IPOA has established that most violations meted against members of the public by police happens in informal settlements and other marginalized areas where most of civil society organisations are based.

IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori, expressed the willingness and urge to create lasting collaboration during a meeting with representatives of more than 25 human rights organization from across the country.

The Authority’s Board hosted the meeting at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi.

“I welcome you on behalf of the Board to share and participate in discussions about police reforms and the guarantee of human rights for all Kenyans and Residents, which, I believe is our common mandate,” said Mrs. Makori.

She added: “As an institution, IPOA has since inception advocated for the full implementation of police reforms through encouraging individual responsibility, participating in police reforms.  It is indeed in a secure and free environment, safeguarded by our Police Officers that our economy and each of us can thrive.”

The Chairperson also told the participants that police accountability has been improving in Kenya but noted that cases of violations by officers remain a concern.

Being the law enforcement agencies of governments and states, the police are often the violators of human rights as they pursue their legal mandate obligations. This is the very reason why IPOA was formed to guard public interest in policing in Kenya, Mrs. Makori also said.

At the forum, IPOA Board presented to the participants, the achievements made by IPOA as well as the challenges the Authority faces in its oversight role.