After six years of dedicated service, the curtains are nearly closing on the current leadership of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).

On Thursday, the NPSC staff held an emotional farewell ceremony to honor Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia, Vice-Chairperson Alice Otwala, and Commissioners Eusebius Laibuta, Ole Mayaki, and Lilian Kiamba, whose terms officially end on March 17.

The event was a celebration of their remarkable journey, marked by groundbreaking achievements, unwavering teamwork, and a shared commitment to transforming Kenya’s police service.

The Chairperson, Eliud Kinuthia took a moment to reflect on the Commission’s journey, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the President and acknowledging the steadfast support of his fellow Commissioners.

“I will never forget the day we took our oath of office. The Chief Justice warned us of the tough road ahead but affirmed our readiness for the task. Our visit to State House in 2019 was met with overwhelming support, and from that moment, we embraced our mission with determination,” he reminisced.

Under Kinuthia’s leadership, the NPSC achieved significant milestones, including the recruitment of 10,932 police officers and 1,128 civilian staff, improved welfare for officers through salary reviews, and the automation of critical services. These accomplishments, he noted, were made possible through collaboration with key stakeholders and a shared vision for impactful reforms.

The journey was not without its challenges. Kinuthia highlighted hurdles in interpreting and applying key constitutional provisions, including Articles 234, 245, 246, 249, 250, and 254, as well as disputes over Delegation Instruments. Despite these obstacles, he expressed confidence that the outgoing Commission leaves behind a strong, capable, and motivated Secretariat, fully equipped to continue executing its constitutional mandate.

Vice Chairperson Alice Otwala, who transitioned from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to the Public Service Commission before joining the NPSC, reflected on her professional journey. She praised Kinuthia’s exemplary leadership and the harmonious teamwork that enabled the Commission to achieve its goals. “We worked together as a family, united by a shared vision to improve the welfare of our officers and enhance service delivery,” she said.

Commissioner Ole Mayaki echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the difficulties faced but emphasizing the strong bond among the Commissioners that made service delivery seamless. Commissioner Eusebius Laibuta extended his gratitude to his colleagues and staff for their dedication, while Commissioner Lilian Kiamba lauded the team for fostering a supportive and professional work environment.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Salaries and Remuneration Commission Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony and Independent Policing Oversight Authority Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who also serves as a Commissioner, noted the Commission’s strong working relationship and its impact on improving police welfare. Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin also commended the outgoing leadership for their wisdom, patience, and distinguished service.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley paid tribute to the outgoing Commissioners, describing their legacy as transformative.

“Your wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have not only strengthened this Commission but have also shaped each of us, both professionally and personally. Your dedication, integrity, and vision have been nothing short of inspiring,” he remarked.