As the country prepares to welcome the Christmas holidays festivities, The National Police Service has also been on track with ensuring tight security to citizens.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has ordered all men in uniform who are on leave to resume duty immediately.

“To enhance police visibility and security in the Country, we have also directed all Officers who are currently on leave to resume duty with immediate effect,” Koome said.

Koome has called on Kenyans to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activity to authorities, aiming to curb potential criminal activities.

“Report any crime or suspicious activities, to the nearest police station or through the police hotline numbers 999,112,911 AND 0800722202,” added Koome.

However, he warned traffic officers against corruption saying that they should perform their duty to ensure law and order on the road.

“I wish to reiterate my past sentiments, that the National Police Service has no room for Corrupt Officers. My Office remains open to the Director EACC for collaboration in the fight against corruption,” the IG noted. 

READ ALSO: IG Koome calls for caution following 16 road accident-related deaths

The IG while addressing the press on Wednesday at Jogoo House, Nairobi, noted that during the festive season, it is expected that there will be high vehicle traffic on the roads due to increased movements of Kenyans across the country.

“From our data, road traffic accidents are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities, with negative financial and health implications of accidents on victims and caregivers,” he said. 

He noted that the ongoing heavy El-Nino rains in many parts of the country this year are worsening the situation, causing poor visibility on the roads.

Why untrained traffic officers ordered back to general duties

On Tuesday, December 19th, Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kanja issued a directive instructing untrained traffic police officers to return to general duties.

”You are directed to deploy back to general duties all those officers who had been attached to traffic duties,” he said in a memo to all regional commanders dated December 19.

This was due to a shortage of trained traffic personnel in the department and prompted the training of more personnel in traffic management.

Only trained traffic personnel will be allowed to carry out the duties following a new directive by police headquarters.

He emphasized that there would be no more attachment of police officers to traffic duties with no prior training on the issue.