The County Policing Authority (CPA) is established under Section 41 of the National Police Service Act. It is a security oversight body that incorporates county government officials, security agencies, and members of the public in security management at the county level.
📌 Each of the 47 counties must establish a County Policing Authority (CPA), but implementation has faced challenges due to opposition from the national government and the National Police Service, which view security as a national function rather than a devolved one.
🔹 Membership of the County Policing Authority
The County Policing Authority consists of:
✅ The County Governor – Chairperson
✅ A representative of the National Intelligence Service
✅ County police representatives appointed by the Inspector-General, including:
- Head of the National Police Service at the county level
- Head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the county level
✅ Two elected members nominated by the County Assembly
✅ Chairperson of the County Security Committee
✅ At least six non-state members appointed by the Governor, from: - Business sector
- Community-based organizations
- Women’s groups
- People with disabilities
- Religious organizations
- Youth organizations
📌 The Deputy Governor may chair meetings in the Governor’s absence.
📌 Non-state members are recruited by the County Public Service Board through a competitive process and vetted by the County Security Committee and County Assembly.
🔹 Qualifications for Non-State Members
🚫 A person CANNOT be appointed if they:
❌ Violate the Constitution
❌ Are bankrupt
❌ Have been convicted of a felony
❌ Have a poor moral standing
❌ Have not been a resident or employee in the county for at least three years
📌 Non-state members serve for two years and may be reappointed for one additional term.
🔹 Functions of the County Policing Authority
The CPA plays a crucial role in security oversight, public engagement, and crime monitoring at the county level.
1️⃣ Developing Security Priorities
✔ Formulates policing priorities for the county.
✔ Identifies key security threats and areas of concern.
2️⃣ Monitoring Crime Trends
✔ Tracks crime trends and patterns, especially those affecting women and children.
✔ Identifies high-crime areas and recommends strategic interventions.
3️⃣ Overseeing Police Performance
✔ Reviews police performance in the county.
✔ Provides feedback to the National Police Service on its effectiveness.
4️⃣ Community Engagement in Security
✔ Provides a platform for public participation in security matters.
✔ Receives reports from Community Policing Forums and committees.
✔ Enhances Nyumba Kumi and community policing initiatives.
5️⃣ Ensuring Police Accountability
✔ Ensures that the police are accountable to the public.
✔ Monitors budget utilization and financial management in county policing.
6️⃣ Preparing Reports for Stakeholders
✔ Produces quarterly reports for:
- Inspector-General of Police
- Cabinet Secretary for Security
- County Assembly
- County Governor
✔ Reports cover police performance, security challenges, and policy recommendations.
🔹 Limitations of the County Policing Authority
📌 The CPA CANNOT interfere with police operations, including:
🚫 Criminal investigations
🚫 Enforcement of the law against specific individuals
🚫 Hiring, promoting, suspending, or dismissing police officers
🚫 Operational activities of the National Police Service
🔹 Meetings of the County Policing Authority
✔ The CPA must meet at least once every three months.
✔ Meetings are held at a time and venue determined by the Chairperson (Governor).
✔ The quorum is 50% of total members.
✔ The Cabinet Secretary for Security provides policy guidelines for the CPA’s operations.
🔹 Funding of the County Policing Authority
💰 The CPA’s expenses are funded by the National Police Service.
💰 Members receive allowances determined by the Cabinet Secretary for Security, with advice from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
📌 Conclusion
The County Policing Authority (CPA) is a critical security oversight body that bridges the gap between county governments, police agencies, and the public.
✅ Enhances community participation in policing.
✅ Improves police accountability and transparency.
✅ Monitors crime trends and recommends solutions.
✅ Ensures police services meet county security needs.
📌 Despite legal backing, challenges such as national government opposition, slow implementation, and resource constraints have hindered full operationalization in all counties. 🚔
