Did you think that joining police marks the end of education journey? Then you got it wrong. All police officers have been ordered to undergo a compulsory six-month training on Information and Communication Technology.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the training is aimed at equipping the officers with basic knowledge and skills to handle the newly launched automated information management system rolled-out across the country.
Speaking during the official launch of National Police Service Information Management System (IMS) at Karisa Maitha grounds in Kilifi County, Dr Matiang’i said the training will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of ICT in order to improve service delivery.
“Today we start the actual digital migration since we want transparency in the police service. Our idea is to ensure we deliver President Uhuru Kenyatta’s vision and plan for us by ensuring services are digitised,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i, who was with his ICT counterpart, Mr Joe Mucheru, among other top government officers, said the automated system will improve transparency and professionalism in the service.
“This will also stop issues on favouritism in terms of promotion,” he said, adding that “the problem of missing files and occurrence books will be the issue of the past.”
The CS also directed a digital registration of all police officers in the newly launched system starting with Kilifi County, within a period of a month.
“The new IMS system will help officers apply for leave, fill forms for promotion online and track officers’ movement using their cell phones,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i added that the Police Sacco will also be brought on board to help the officers apply for loans through their cell phones.
At the same time, he advised senior officers and commanders to mentor their juniors and ensure they have a good working relationship.