The government will connect key police offices in all counties to the Internet to enable officers communicate more effectively.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said the Internet connectivity is aimed at ensuring that police officers respond effectively to residents’ questions and provide them with accurate information.
“Social media is a platform that is key in matters information and you have to be part of it. As a ministry we will continue working closely with you, we are going to provide you with necessary resources for you to be able to communicate,” said Mr Mucheru during the recent reshuffle of police commanders in Mombasa.
He said that a team from his ministry will work with the officers to ensure service delivery at the lowest level of communities.
“We will have county information officers who will help us communicate development and security matters,” he said.
Mr Mucheru also urged the senior police officers to work closely with media houses.
He said that the government was committed to ensuring coordinated efforts in information sharing.
“This will be through interaction with the media in your various regions. Be in touch with the people by providing them information, which can be effectively given through the media,” he said.
Mr Mucheru said quick provision of information engenders confidence in the government.
“We at the national level are not in a better position to respond to issues in a more effective way than you in regions. You need to provide answers to problems at that level by giving information,” he said.
Mr Mucheru urged police commandants to follow up on vital information and be the government’s representatives at the grassroots level.
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said his ministry was committed to ensuring strategic communication among security agents.
He asked the media “to have no problem” working in any part of the country, adding that his ministry was committed to working with media houses.
“As a matter of policy we will work with the media, and because our reforms are aimed at ensuring the service is civilised our police officers will be the go-to people,” said Dr Matiang’i.