Kenya Police has finally restored the defunct 999 emergency response line albeit in Nairobi. The move follows an order issued by the High Court through Judge David Majanja after a successful application by activist Okiya Okoiti Omtatah. The court ordered CCK and Kenya Police Service to activate the lines by end of July so as to enable citizens to report emergencies.
Kenya Police has announced that they have activated 22 such lines within Nairobi with city residents being encouraged to call and report emergencies through the line. My effort to get through on the line was futile as the line rang without an answer.
Within minutes of reactivating the emergency line, Nairobi Police boss Benson Kibui was complaining that they are getting many calls through the line and warned residents against abusing the facility. This warning sounds foolish and uninformed as the line was never picked when I called.
The county police boss also said that “some people have been calling to ask where they can eat or even get a lodging.” LOL…. on this. ha ha ha. But atleast the police service should have a sense of humour.
In fact the police has the best intelligence of any society. In developed countries like USA, residents call the 911 line to even ask police to respond when their pets are sick. If you watch the COPS show on Zuku TV, you will understand what I mean.
I just hope that the facility will last.
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