Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan on Thursday concluded his tenure as chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) with a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening the watchdog’s effectiveness and independence.
The meeting, held at the British High Commission offices in Nairobi, brought together Hassan and Acting British High Commissioner Edward Barnett, and focused on sustaining institutional support for IPOA as it undergoes a leadership transition.
Hassan is set to assume his new role as a Judge of the Court of Appeal following his recent appointment.
According to IPOA, the discussions centred on measures to enhance the authority’s capacity through continued cooperation under rule of law and governance support programmes.
“The two agreed on measures to support IPOA through rule of law and governance support programmes, aimed at strengthening the watchdog’s work and independence,” IPOA said in a statement posted on X.
The programmes are expected to bolster IPOA’s oversight mandate while reinforcing its operational autonomy as an independent civilian body tasked with holding the National Police Service accountable.
Barnett and Hassan also explored ways to enhance training and professional development for IPOA members and staff.
The talks examined potential lessons that Kenya could draw from civilian police oversight institutions in the United Kingdom, which have long-established mechanisms for external accountability and public confidence in policing.
As part of the engagement, the possibility of organising a study visit to England was discussed, with the aim of strengthening institutional practices and exposing IPOA officials to comparative oversight models.
IPOA said the meeting was intended to secure continued collaboration with international partners and ensure the authority remains effective during and after the leadership transition.
“The engagement was designed to ensure IPOA continues to receive support and remains effective in holding police accountable,” the authority noted.
Barnett commended IPOA for its role in promoting accountability and professionalism within Kenya’s police services, acknowledging the challenges faced by oversight bodies operating in complex security environments.
He also praised Justice Hassan for his leadership at the authority and wished him success as he transitions to the judiciary.
Justice Hassan’s appointment to the Court of Appeal was announced on Tuesday, formally marking the end of his tenure at IPOA.
During his time as chairperson, he oversaw the authority’s mandate of investigating police misconduct, monitoring operations of the National Police Service, and strengthening public trust in law enforcement through independent oversight.
His departure comes at a time when IPOA continues to play a central role in accountability and reform within the policing sector, with the authority signalling its intention to sustain momentum through partnerships and institutional capacity-building initiatives.
