Maraga-Led Task Force Proposes Elimination of Police Roadblocks, Advocates 5 Key Changes
Proposed by the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, which is presided over by former Chief Justice David Maraga, is the elimination of every obstacle in the nation.
The task force’s report, which was presented to President William Ruto on Thursday, emphasized that the obstacles had transformed into channels for corrupt activities.
To preserve order on the roads, the Maraga-led group suggested the implementation of mobile surveillance units as an alternative solution.
Consistent with enforcing traffic regulations, the task force suggested that the National Police Service (NPS) utilize technological advancements to apprehend individuals who violate traffic laws.
“The task force envisages the use of technology in the detection of traffic infractions, and the attendant fines becoming cashless by use of technology.
“While that is being done, the taskforce recommends appropriate amendment of Section 65 of the NPS Act within six months and the abolition of police roadblocks and their replacement with mobile patrol units,” read the report in part.
Conversely, a suggestion was put forth to alter the designation of the Traffic Police Unit to that of the Traffic Management Unit.
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Maraga and his group suggested that the newly established traffic department reduce the number of officers assigned to it and hire better-trained personnel.
In addition, the former chief justice elaborated on conflict of interest scenarios by alleging that certain traffic police officers had public service vehicles (PSVs).
He raised concerns regarding the officers’ ability to supervise traffic laws professionally and efficiently while their vehicles were also on the road.
Significantly, the elimination of traffic obstructions has been anticipated this year; on November 1, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued an order for their removal.
“Roadblocks are an old form of security in various nations. Roadblocks should be mounted on the request of the security operators to achieve a specific agenda and once it has served its purpose it’s dismounted,” he stated while appearing before the National Assembly’s EAC block and Integration committee on August 24.
Maraga-Led Task Force Proposes Elimination of Police Roadblocks, Advocates 5 Key Changes
