Kibera residents who have had to part with 'kitu kidogo' are now a happy lot. This is after the National Police Service Internal Affairs Unit that operates independently from the Police force unveiled SMS platform and toll-free telephone line to enable residents to report cases of corruption.
The launch was made at the popular California "Deza" grounds during the ongoing community sensitization forums that are being spearheaded by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The forum was attended by among others senior Police officers from the Internal Affairs Unit, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and area community leaders.
The idea of the meeting was to discuss ways of fostering peaceful coexistence between the Police and the Community, and encourage timely sharing of information relating to corruption and violent extremism, which had adversely affected Youth in the area.
Programme Coordinator Abdul Nasser, who is a legal practitioner, noted that residents can now be able to report corruption using SMS Number 40683, or call toll-free line 0800721230, or alternatively dial *683# via their mobile phones.
He said that the programme is currently in Zanzibar, Mombasa and Nairobi (Shaurimoyo and Pangani).
Abdul Nasser said that the pilot programme started in October last year and aims at building trust between the community and the Police.
Chief Inspector of Police at the Internal Affairs Unit Elly Odhiambo said they are working on the Anonymous Reporting Information System (ARIS) that will ensure those reporting cases of corruption are kept anonymous and are not publicly identified.
Shauri Moyo OCS Alice Chedotum encouraged the community to visit their police stations and share information. The OCS said that all services in the Police station are free and no one should be charged for requesting a particular service.
The OCS added that Muslims visiting the Police station can now access a prayer room to fulfill their religious obligations, noting that a fully functional Gender Desk has been set up at the Police station.
Pangani OCS Lucas Ongaya stated that Pangani Police Station has been equipped with CCTV cameras to monitor the quality of services offered. He was upbeat that Pangani is an open and transparent environment.
Hussein Roba, representing the elderly in the area, urged the youth to be proactive in reporting cases of corruption by attending the regular sensitization forums.
On her part, Chief Inspector of Administration Police in charge of Biafra Insp. Hodhan Gedi asked residents to report all forms of crimes especially those involving drugs. To the amusement of those present at the function, she asked everyone to contact her at any time and she will avail herself to attend to the need.
The participants were also treated to a short skit by the famous theatre group from Shauri Moyo.