Douglas Kanja Kirocho, President William Ruto’s nominee for Inspector General of Police, has vowed to implement significant reforms within the National Police Service, beginning with the introduction of body-worn cameras for traffic officers. This commitment, made during his appearance before the National Assembly and Senate committees, aims to enhance accountability amid rising concerns over corruption in the traffic police department.

Kanja highlighted the need for transparency, stating, “Body cams are crucial tools for ensuring accountability. They will provide an unbiased record of police-civilian interactions.” His promise comes as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has identified corruption in traffic management as a major factor contributing to road safety violations, leading to numerous fatal accidents.

Echoing his commitment to ethical conduct, Kanja addressed conflicts of interest within the force, saying, “It’s crucial that officers make a choice—either serve the public without any conflict of interest or step aside.”

EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi reiterated the systemic corruption issues, revealing that officers are pressured to meet daily targets for bribes. “The culture of bribery undermines road safety and fosters impunity among motorists,” he warned.

Kanja’s plan also includes requiring officers to wear name tags to further promote accountability. Alongside the introduction of body cameras, he aims to restore public trust in the police force, setting the stage for a potential transformation in policing in Kenya.