The Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations has directed insurance firms contracted to provide cover for police officers to immediately settle compensation claims for officers injured in the line of duty.

Issuing the Committee’s firm resolution during a meeting held on Thursday, Chairperson Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo instructed the consortium of insurance companies to release all approved claims as verified by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS).

“We are ordering you to pay the claims, and that is a must. It is not a request, and it must be done before the next meeting. We have given you 14 days to give us the updated list,” said Sen. Dullo.

The Lawmakers questioned why insurance companies were subjecting officers who serve the nation to prolonged delays and mistreatment.

“These officers’ salaries are minimal. They get injured, then sadly, they wait for over five years to be compensated. We must be humane and help them get out of the challenges they are facing,” Sen. Dullo added.

MPs to Amend Laws

The Committee also pledged to amend legislation to introduce stronger enforcement mechanisms compelling insurers to honour claims.

Members further suggested that the government consider blacklisting companies that fail to pay claims or delay payments.

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Received Police Claims

Although the consortium, represented by Sylvester Nzioka, reported that Ksh1,075,821,764 had been paid by October 2025, Senators faulted the insurers for unnecessary delays that have caused prolonged suffering to injured officers.

The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services informed the Committee that it had received 2,114 accident notifications from the National Police Service, with the Kenya Police Service recording 1,512 cases, the Administration Police Service 494, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations 108.

All notifications, according to DOSHS, have been processed in line with Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) procedures, with calculations forwarded to relevant units to facilitate compensation.

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Challenges Hindering Payment

Dr. Musa Nyandusi, appearing for the Directorate, cited several challenges hindering timely compensation, including weak enforcement mechanisms, lengthy and costly claims processes, extended litigation, delayed recognition of work-related illness, and the absence of a dedicated compensation fund for police officers.

Petitioners John Amana, Peter Wang’ombe, and Quinto Okumu appealed to the Committee to intervene and ensure their compensation is expedited.

Other Senators present included Vice Chairperson Prof Tom Ojienda SC (Kisumu), Julius Murgor (West Pokot), Dr. Lelegwe Ltumbesi (Samburu), Okong’o Mogeni SC (Nyamira), Joseph Kamau (Lamu), and Okoiti Omtatah (Busia), who attended as a friend of the Committee.

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A past session of the Senate. PHOTO/Parliament.