Independent Policing Oversight Authority

Overview

  • Act: Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, No. 35 of 2011
  • Formed: 2013
  • CEO: Elema Halake, SS
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was established in 2011 under the Independent Policing Oversight
Authority Act No. 35 of 2011 and began operations in 2013. It was created to provide civilian oversight over the National Police Service in Kenya. IPOA’s mandate includes investigating police misconduct, ensuring accountability in law enforcement and promoting professional policing. The Authority’s goal is to enhance public confidence in the police by addressing complaints and providing remedies for victims of police excesses.

CEO: Elema Halake, SS

Elema Halake is the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Nairobi. Halake has extensive experience in law enforcement oversight, having served as the Director-In-Charge of Investigations at IPOA and as the Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Agency. His leadership roles have focused on improving police accountability and public trust in law enforcement​.

Management Team

Elema Halake, SS

CEO

Emmanuel Lagat

Deputy Director Investigations& Forensics Services

Munene M. Mugambi

Deputy Director, Inspections, Monitoring & Preventive Services

Mare Woche

Deputy Director Human Resource Management

Mohamed Khalif Adan

Deputy Director Finance& Planning

Festus Kinoti

Deputy Director, Legal

Agatha Chepkoech

Senior Assistant Director, Finance & Planning

Kennedy Ndire

Senior Assistant Director, ICT

Dr. Ruth Kaguta

Senior Assistant Director, Complaints Management & Call Center

Major Benson Milao

Senior Assistant Director, Security Services

Josphat Karindi

Senior Assistant Director, Human Resource

Enosh Nyabiba

Senior Assistant Director, Internal Audit & Risk

Fredrick Chabari

Senior Assistant Director, Supply Chain Management

Dennis Danson Oketch

Senior Assistant Director, Communication & Outreach

Bethuel Sugut

Senior Assistant Director Regional Co-ordination

Munyua Job Mugiira

Senior Assistant Director Inspections Monitoring & Preventive Services

Functions

  • Investigate Police Misconduct – Conduct investigations into complaints against police officers.
  • Monitor Police Operations – Oversee police operations to ensure they are lawful and uphold human rights.
  • Inspect Police Premises – Inspect detention facilities to ensure humane treatment of detainees.
  • Promote Accountability – Ensure that police officers are held accountable for misconduct.
  • Oversight of Police Reforms – Monitor implementation of reforms within the National Police Service.
  • Facilitate Public Complaints – Receive and process complaints from the public regarding police conduct.
  • Liaise with Other Agencies – Collaborate with other oversight agencies to enhance police accountability.
  • Support Victims of Police Misconduct – Provide remedies for victims of police excesses.
  • Report to Parliament – Submit annual reports to Parliament on the state of policing in Kenya.
  • Public Education – Raise awareness on police accountability and citizen rights.

Important Links

Address & Contacts

  • P.O. Box 23035-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
  • ACK Garden Annex, 3rd Floor
  • PR56+8C Nairobi
  • info@ipoa.go.ke
  • +254 20 4906000 +254 780 496600