By Primerose Omoto
The Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) in collaboration with the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Authority has launched an online Power of Mercy Petitions Management Information System (ePOMPMIS).
The electronic system aims to enhance transparency, accountability, participation, and feedback on the petition process as well as increase efficiency in service delivery.
This marks a new dawn for inmates and their loved ones because filing for petition has been made easier to access.
The move comes after heavy criticism from the media with a focus on the credibility of investigations done prior when President Ruto pardoned the sentences of 37 persons serving time for murder, stealing public health finance, robbery with violence, and rape of adults and minors.
According to the Power of Mercy Act 21 of 2011 (revised 2016), any person may petition the President to exercise the power of mercy and grant relief to deserving inmates through the Committee.
Speaking during the launch at Kamiti Maximum Prison in Nairobi, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei lauded the committee’s action of heeding to the president’s call to digitize government services.
“I commend the Power of Mercy Committee and the ICT Authority for digitizing the petition process. This aligns with the government’s ambition of taking advantage of the gains made in ICT infrastructure in the last two decades” he said.
Attorney General Justin Muturi who is also the Chairman of POMAC said that 19,125 reformed criminal offenders have been rejoined with their families since 2011.
“I must note with appreciation, the efficiency which this system brings,” he said.
POMAC CEO Lydia Muriuki said the government is going to save about Ksh 59 million per year by using the system.
“We used to go with the Committee to every prison because there are about 68 prisons across the country. These costs can now be saved because everything will be done online. Interviewing all the inmates took us six months but now we can do it in one week.” She noted
The Deputy Director in charge of e-Government services at the Authority Mary Kerema said the system is end-to-end and can easily be accessed by anyone from any place in the country.
“We are augmenting our digitization efforts to make sure that all Kenyans can access services. So far, we are past the 5,000 mark and we are not stopping,” she added.
The system is now available on the e-Citizen platform or through the link https://epmis.powerofmercy.go.ke/
