Families of police officers who were killed or injured while on duty are still waiting for insurance compensation that has remained unpaid for years despite meeting all requirements set by the National Police Service.
The matter has now drawn the attention of Parliament, with lawmakers questioning why legally owed payments have delayed for so long, leaving affected families in financial and emotional distress.
The National Police Service leadership was put under pressure by the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee over the continued delay in releasing insurance payouts.
According to an Auditor-General’s report, families of officers who died or were injured in the line of duty are owed KSh220 million in unpaid compensation. This revelation confirmed long-standing complaints from families who say their appeals have gone unanswered even after following proper procedures.
The report further showed that the insurance company contracted to provide group life insurance and work injury benefits has allegedly failed to honor its obligations. Under the contract terms, once families submit all required documents and the insurer is notified, claims are supposed to be settled within five days.
However, instead of receiving timely support, many families have been forced to wait for up to three years. During this period, they struggle to pay school fees, rent, medical bills, and other basic needs that were previously covered by their loved ones.
Members of the Public Accounts Committee questioned why such delays continue despite the existence of a binding agreement. Aldai MP and committee member Mary Kitany strongly challenged officials to explain the failure to meet contract timelines.
“We want to understand, when you have a contract, why not meet the obligations as per the contract timelines?,” questioned Kitany.
Her remarks reflected the frustration felt by lawmakers who believe the delays show a lack of seriousness in handling the welfare of police families.
In response, National Police Service Accounting Officer Bernice Lemedeket said the delays were mainly caused by funding problems from the national exchequer.
She explained that premiums meant to be paid to the insurance company are often delayed, making it difficult for the insurer to process claims on time.
“The problem rises from insurance not being funded because of exchequer issues, and our main problem is actually premium,” Lemedeket explained to the committee.
She added that without proper and timely funding, the insurer cannot provide full coverage to officers across the country.
The November 2023 audit report showed some progress, noting that 97 cases valued at KSh206 million have been settled.
However, three cases worth KSh6 million are still being processed, leaving some families without closure. Public Accounts Committee Chairman Tindi Mwale said the payments were likely made due to pressure from the committee rather than voluntary action by the National Police Service, raising concerns about accountability.
Police officers serve under the National Police Service Act as constitutional officers and are entitled to government insurance benefits like other public servants. The Constitution establishes the National Police Service under Article 243 as part of Kenya’s National Security Organs, placing officers firmly within the public service system.
Their welfare policies are meant to reflect the risks they face daily, including access to healthcare through the Social Health Authority system, life insurance, and other benefits.
The continued delays in compensation have raised serious questions about how well these commitments are being honored in practice.
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