KARA in partnership with Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) organized the ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event on 4th October 2023 at the YMCA Nairobi Central, to mark the International Coffee with a Cop Day celebrations, which is held on the first Wednesday of October of each year. ‘Coffee with A Cop’ is an international innovative community policing model that works to strengthen the police-community partnership with a view to establishing trust between the police and communities through regular engagements, over a cup of coffee.
The event was attended by officers drawn from the National Police Service (Nairobi Region Police Commandant, OCPDs, DCIOs, AP Commanders), and community leaders from various neighborhood associations in Nairobi County. Speakers who addressed the forum were Mr. Richard Nyaga, KARA Chairman, Mr. Daniel Seiberling, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation, Lt. Col (Rtd) Julius Githiri, Executive Director IPSS, and Ms. Judy Lamet, Deputy Director of Police Operations.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ms. Judy Lamet, the Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, stated that the Coffee with a Cop’ event resonated well with Article 244 of the constitution that calls upon the National Police Service to foster and promote relationships with the broader society.
He noted that close collaborative partnerships between police officers and the community they serve helps to develop common workable solutions that are acceptable to both parties, which is the essence of community policing. He added that every time communities and police have come together to proactively address security concerns, the end result has been sustainable peace and stability.
Kara CEO Henry Ochieng, stated that the opportunities for dialogue and action involving residents and Police will lead to better relationships, more equitable treatment by the Police, greater police responsiveness and accountability, and greater willingness of residents to work with Police. He added that regular and deliberate interactions between the police and communities will enable the community members to understand how the police functions, the challenges they face and the importance of their work. He noted that this realization, will in turn motivate citizens to play a more active role in managing the security of their neighborhoods and enhance their cooperation with the Police.
Lt. Col (Rtd) Julius Githiri, gave a presentation on some of the community based security and safety programs that aim to enhance the quality of life in the neighborhoods. He noted that community policing has long been considered a framework for establishing trust between the community and the police. “Trust is the bedrock of any strong community. Coffee with a Cop provides an informal, relaxed setting for citizens to voice concerns, ask questions, and get to know their local officers. It’s not about discussing crime statistics or departmental strategy. Instead, it focuses on personal stories, shared experiences, and mutual understanding.” He stated.
Kara hosts senior police officers to mark International Coffee with a Cop Day
