Julius Kiprop
- Kenya scores 18%, placing third from last among 39 African nations in public trust of police.
- Nigeria (17%) and Congo-Brazzaville (13%) ranked lower, while Tanzania scored 53%, leading East Africa.
- Corruption, brutality, and lack of professionalism cited as key issues.
Comparative Rankings
Kenya ranked poorly in the recent Afrobarometer Report on police professionalism, with only 18% of respondents expressing trust in the police. The country placed just above Nigeria (17%) and Congo-Brazzaville (13%). In contrast, Tanzania led the East African region with a 53% trust score, while Burkina Faso (68%), Morocco (64%), and Benin (61%) topped the list in Africa.
Public Outcry Over Police Brutality
Kenyan police have faced criticism for misconduct, including during protests against the Finance Bill in June 2024. Reports of abductions and excessive force captured on video fueled public anger. Similarly, police brutality during femicide protests drew widespread condemnation, prompting Interior PS Raymond Omollo to issue a public apology.
Systemic Challenges Across Africa
The Afrobarometer survey revealed widespread mistrust in African police forces, with only 33% of citizens confident in their ability to uphold the law. North Africa recorded higher trust levels (51%), while Central Africa lagged at 37%.
Corruption in Policing
Corruption remains a significant concern in Kenya, where 52% of respondents reported police bribery. Liberia (77%), Nigeria (72%), and Sierra Leone (68%) topped the list for police corruption in Africa.
Implications and Solutions
The lack of trust in Kenya’s police force undermines law enforcement and public cooperation. To rebuild confidence, Kenya needs reforms focusing on transparency, accountability, and professional training. Successful examples from Burkina Faso and Morocco demonstrate that improvement is achievable with the right strategies.
