1. GUARDING PUBLIC INTEREST

2. BRIEF BACKGROUND The Independent Policing Oversight Authority was established through an Act of Parliament published in November 2011 to provide for civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya. The inaugural Board was sworn into office in June 2012 The main function of the Authority is to hold the Police accountable to the public in the performance of their functions in order to give effect to the provision of Article 244 of the Constitution The Board comprises 8 civilian members drawn from diverse sectors and disciplines Guarding Public Interest

3. KEY FUNCTIONS 1.To investigate deaths and serious injuries caused by police action 2. To investigate police misconduct 3.To monitor, review and audit investigations and actions by Internal Affairs Unit of the police 4.To conduct inspections of police premises 5.To monitor and investigate policing operations and deployment 6.To review the functioning of the internal disciplinary process 7. Reporting Guarding Public Interest

4. VISION A robust civilian accountability mechanism that promotes public trust and confidence in the National Police Service MISSION To conduct impartial and independent investigations, inspections, audits and monitoring of the National Police Service to prevent impunity and enhance professionalism in the interest of the public Guarding Public Interest

5. ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR Development of internal policy frameworks Development of an ICT Strategy (2013-2018) Formulating IPOA Regulations Capacity building of board members Networking and best practice exchange programmes Sourcing and equipping office space Recruitment of professionally qualified staff Collaboration with partners Guarding Public Interest

6. CHALLLENGES Time taken to develop capacity especially investigative Budgetary constrains Lengthy procurement procedures Securing seconded staff Lack of awareness by NPS Guarding Public Interest

7. For more information, contact: The Chairman Independent Policing Oversight Authority Kenyatta International Conference Centre Ground Floor P.O. Box 23035 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, E-mail: ipoa2012@gmail.comipoa2012@gmail.com