IPOA Unveils TRUST 47 Initiative to Strengthen Public Confidence in Police and Government Institutions
“TRUST 47 is about bringing government institutions closer to the people, creating an open platform where citizens can raise their concerns, engage directly with leaders and help rebuild public confidence in public institutions.” said Dr Duncan Ojwang IPOA Chairperson.
IPOA Chairperson addresses members of the media during an engagement forum in Eldoret, bringing together stakeholders to discuss issues surrounding police accountability, transparency and the role of the media in promoting public oversight.
By James Gitaka
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced plans to roll out a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening relations between police officers, government institutions and the public as part of efforts to rebuild public trust in security and governance institutions.
The initiative, dubbed TRUST 47, will be implemented across all 47 counties and provide a platform for dialogue between citizens, police officers, independent government institutions and civil society organisations on accountability, human rights and public service delivery.
Speaking in Eldoret during a meeting bringing together representatives of independent government institutions, non-governmental organisations and journalists, IPOA Chairperson Dr Duncan Ojwang, accompanied by Deputy Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, said the initiative would give citizens an opportunity to directly engage institutional leaders and raise concerns affecting them.
Ojwang said TRUST 47 seeks to promote transparency, dialogue and cooperation between state agencies and the public, particularly as Kenya prepares for the next General Election.
“TRUST 47 is about bringing government institutions closer to the people, creating an open platform where citizens can raise their concerns, engage directly with leaders and help rebuild public confidence in public institutions.” said Dr Duncan Ojwang IPOA Chairperson.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Wilberforce Sicharani said the police service was committed to working with human rights defenders and other institutions to improve service delivery and strengthen relations with communities.
“Through TRUST 47, we want to strengthen dialogue, transparency and accountability across all 47 counties by ensuring that citizens have an opportunity to engage with institutions mandated to serve them.” said Wilberforce Sicharani The Uasin Gishu County Police Commander.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation between the police and members of the public in maintaining security while respecting constitutional rights and freedoms.
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, from the Centre Against Torture, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards rebuilding public confidence in government institutions through open dialogue, public participation and accountability.
“The police service remains committed to working with human rights organisations and other stakeholders to improve service delivery, strengthen community relations and ensure that security operations respect the rights and freedoms of every citizen.” observed Kimutai Kirui Human Rights Activist from the Centre Against Torture.
Kirui added involving citizens in discussions on the performance of public institutions would help address public grievances and strengthen accountability among government officials and agencies.
The TRUST 47 initiative is expected to provide a nationwide platform for engagement between citizens and public institutions, with a focus on accountability, respect for human rights and restoring public confidence in government.
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