The Information and Communication Technology [ICT] Authority, in collaboration with the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee [POMAC], has unveiled the groundbreaking online Power of Mercy Petitions Management Information System [ePOMPMIS]. This digital initiative, officially launched by Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, took place at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, marking a significant step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, participation, collaboration, and feedback within the power of mercy petitions process.
The ePOMPMIS is a comprehensive end-to-end system integrated into the e-citizen platform, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders and the general public via this link. This innovative approach aligns with the Power of Mercy Act 21 of 2011 [Revised 2016], which permits any individual to petition the President, through the Committee, for the exercise of mercy power and the granting of relief as specified in Article 133[1] of the Constitution.
During the launch event, Mr. Koskei commended POMAC for embracing the President’s call for digitization of government services, emphasizing the system’s potential to boost efficiency in service delivery and elevate the transparency of organizational processes. He stated, “I commend the Power of Mercy Committee and the ICT Authority for digitizing the entire petition process, aligning with the government’s ambition to leverage ICT infrastructure advancements made over the last two decades. The petition process is now available on the e-citizen platform, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure seamless access for all stakeholders.”
Furthermore, the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff urged beneficiaries of the petition process to act responsibly and serve as beacons of hope, contributing to nation-building as they reintegrate into society. Hon. Justin Muturi, Attorney General and Chairman of POMAC, highlighted that since 2011, 19,125 reformed criminal offenders have reunited with their families. The digitization of this process is anticipated to foster more robust reforms within correctional service institutions. AG Muturi lauded the government’s competence and trustworthiness in delivering services to the people and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for making this milestone possible.
Hon. Muturi also pointed out that the ePOMPMIS would significantly reduce the time and expenses incurred by the Committee when traveling across the country for interviews. Dr. Lydia Muriuki, CEO of POMAC, echoed this sentiment, stating that the government would save approximately 59 million Kenyan shillings annually, as the previous practice involved visiting all 68 prisons across the nation, even when only one petitioner applied. With the new online system, all activities can be efficiently conducted over the internet, reducing the interview process from six months to just one week.
Mary Kerema, the Deputy Director in charge of e-Government services at the ICT Authority, represented ICTA CEO Stanley Kamanguya at the event. She emphasized that the ePOMPMIS would provide Kenyans with access to digital services from any location within the country. She stated, “We have developed an end-to-end system, ensuring that it can be accessed by anyone, anywhere in the country. As the ICT Authority, we are delighted to partner with POMAC in the digitization of their services, and we are actively collaborating with other government institutions to digitize their processes, ensuring seamless service delivery in line with the Government of Kenya’s ICT priorities.”
Furthermore, the ICT Authority is actively engaged with numerous government institutions, extending its efforts to digitize their services, with an unwavering commitment to enhancing digital accessibility for all Kenyans. Currently, they have surpassed the 5,000-service mark and show no signs of slowing down in their quest to bring digital transformation to government operations nationwide.
