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{
    "id": 573270,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/573270/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 101,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Eng.) Gumbo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 24,
        "legal_name": "Nicholas Gumbo",
        "slug": "nicholas-gumbo"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Deputy Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this Motion by my good friend, the Hon. John Waluke, in its amended form, which says: “and further that the Government in turn considers proper remuneration, accommodation and welfare of all police officers.” Hon. Deputy Speaker, growth is a natural process. Every living thing aspires to grow. Every human being aspires to grow, whether it is in profession or at work. I would be very surprised if 30 years from now there would be any Member of this House who would be comfortable to just remain a Member of Parliament without, for instance, having chaired a Committee or having made an advancement of any sort. Much as we debate this Motion, we must admit that at the moment there is very little motivation for police officers in the service. Very often, even simple things like promotion depend on who you know as opposed to merit. It saddens me. The other day I was talking to a police officer in Kisumu who joined the police service in 1980, that is, 35 years ago. This gentleman is still a constable. Honestly, where is the motivation? I am sure there are several such police officers who have served in the service for over 30 years as constables. Even if these fellows do not have the education required, I am sure they know one or two things about security. Would there not be a way to consider such officers for promotion of sorts? Where is the motivation when you remain a constable for nearly 40 years? Why would you even want to continue working in the service? The other sad thing is that we had a very ambitious programme for police reforms. This ambitious programme has largely stalled. The National Police Service (NPS) still remains one of the most opaque institutions in Kenya. Even simple things cannot be done in an open and transparent manner. I will give you an example. It is common sense that every time officers go to work outside their usual station, they have to be facilitated. Even us Members of Parliament, when we go for seminars outside Nairobi, we are facilitated. I am sure you have seen the exchanges that are going on in the media. Last weekend, thousands of police officers were brought to the city to help with traffic control and enhance security during the visit of President Obama. It is very sad The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}