The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is plotting a move to install tough conditions that bar police officers from engaging in nearly any business away from their work.
In the new guidelines by NPSC, any officer who wants to engage in business, or any other activities, must first seek permission.
Once the Commission accepts an officer's application, he or she will have to comply with stiff conditions for conducting the business or else have no other option but to quit the service.
[caption caption="Kenyan police officers (PHOTO/COURTESY)"]
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The commission is also demanding to have those who already operate businesses declaring them, otherwise they will be subjected to disciplinary action should the commission find out.
“Applicants should be aware that this may involve the commission undertaking intelligence checks on both the applicant and the proposed business interests and associates,” the guidelines document reads in part.
In the most recent vetting of police officers across the country, NPSC noted that many police officers were engaged in business and many were worth millions of shillings, despite earning relatively low salaries from the service.
In the event, an application to the commission is ratified, the officer will be let to run the business and serve the public.
The commission, however, notes that officers will be required to abide by a raft of conditions and restrictions where their business interests are likely to be roped into their duties and responsibility as public servants.
NPSC Chairman Johnson Kavuludi has also warned that use of proxies to do business is outlawed.
“The commission has been guided by the law and I am happy to reveal that we have been able to complete and operationalise the regulations on vetting, discipline, promotion and transfers, recruitment and appointments and several other critical areas,” stated Kavuludi.
In the new laws, police officers will not be allowed to use working hours to attend to personal business or engage in activities that amount to a conflict of interest.
NPSC has also required those police officers who own shares in companies submit the details to have them vetted for possible delisting in the event this conflicts their duty demands.
"A member of the service shall not hold shares or have any interest in a corporation, partnership or other bodies, directly or through another person, if holding those shares or having that interest would result in the officers' personal interest, including the interest of a spouse, relative or business associate, conflicting with his official duties," reads the policy.
In the amended policies, police are prohibited from receiving money or any other gift that can compromise their integrity.
Previously, gifts received by police officers while on duty could be surrendered to the Inspector General. This is because the Public Officer Act requires that such gifts are considered as a donation to the office of the IG.
[caption caption="Officers on duty (PHOTO/COURTESY)"]
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