Kenya launches online application platform for offenders seeking presidential pardon
ICT Authority has launched an online platform to help offenders seeking presidential pardon to submit their applications.
The platform has been launched in collaboration with the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) and will be known as Power of Mercy Petitions Management Information System (ePOMPMIS).
The electronic system, launched by the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison last week, seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, participation, collaboration and feedback on the power of mercy petitions process.
The end–to–end system, domiciled on the e-citizen platform, is accessible to all stakeholders and members of the public through here.
According to the Power of Mercy Act 21 of 2011 (Revised 2016) any person may, subject to the Constitution and the Act, petition the President, through the Committee, to exercise the power of mercy and grant any relief specified in Article 133(1) of the Constitution.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Koskei lauded POMAC’s action of heeding the President’s call to digitize government services, further indicating that the system will increase efficiency in service delivery and transparency of the organization’s processes.
“I commend the Power of Mercy Committee and the ICT Authority for digitizing the entire petition process which aligns with the government’s ambition of taking advantage of the ICT infrastructure gains made in the last two decades. I am informed that the petition process is available on the e-citizen platform and would like us to ensure that all stakeholders access the services without any issues,” said Mr. Koskei.
The Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff urged the beneficiaries of the petition to be responsible and a beacon of hope to others as they join the society to build the nation.
According to Hon. Justin Muturi, Attorney General and Chairman of the POMAC, 19,125 reformed criminal offenders have been rejoined with their families since 2011 and the digitization of the process will foster stronger reforms in the correctional services institutions.
AG Muturi said “Indeed, the government has once again demonstrated their competence and trustworthy in delivering its services to the people. I must note with appreciation, the efficiency which this system brings. I would like to thank the government and all stakeholders involved for making this possible as we keep delivering our mandate as POMAC.”
Hon. Muturi noted that the system will reduce the timelines and expenses incurred by the Committee on traveling across the country to interview, a sentiment that was echoed by Dr. Lydia Muriuki, CEO of POMAC.
She said: “The government is going to save about 59 million per year because previously, we used to go to every prison because there are about 68 prisons across the country. In line with human rights, we had to go with the committee even if one petitioner did apply. These costs can now be saved because everything will be done online.”
“We used to take about six months to go across the country for interviews but with the new system, we can use only one week to do the interviews,” added Dr. Muriuki.
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