The police service will receive 3,000 new vehicles this year as part of a major Government programme to improve the working conditions of security officers to enable them meet the challenges of ensuring national safety more efficiently.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 1,000 cars will be delivered to the service early this year while the rest will be made available later.
He said the service is undergoing a major modernization initiative, with Sh28 billion allocated over the next two years for the acquisition of state-of-the-art protective gear and armored vehicles.
The Government is steadfast in its commitment to improve the welfare of police officers and transform the National Police Service into a modern, professional and well-equipped force capable of guaranteeing the safety and security of all Kenyans, he said at an Interdenominational Prayer Service held at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus.
The Cabinet Secretary also praised Kenya’s growing leadership in security matters, citing the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti in which 400 officers have been deployed to combat gang violence.
Locally, the multi-agency Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift has resulted in a 62 per cent reduction in cattle rustling, while counter-terrorism efforts have lowered Kenya’s risk to terrorist attacks significantly.
The Cabinet Secretary hailed the various reforms carried out under the leadership of his predecessor, now Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, citing the ongoing digitization of police operations and the significant progress made in improving police welfare through the implementation of the David Maraga Taskforce recommendations.
Effective July last year, lower-cadre officers received a salary increment of up to 20%, and an additional 10% increment is set to take effect this year.
To further support officers, the Government has rolled out a comprehensive medical scheme that ensures access to quality healthcare.
“Housing remains a priority, with 582 units already delivered and 1,000 more under construction, forming part of the government’s ambitious plan to provide 17,000 new housing units under the Affordable Housing Programme,” the CS said, adding that there were plans to spruce up police stations across the country.
The CS said the Government will track criminals and charge them regardless of where they are hiding. “The Penal Code is clear on what to do to those who threaten others. If criminals have moved online it doesn’t mean they are immune from the law,” he said.
The CS reiterated that there is no Government policy permitting abduction, noting that the National Police Service’s work is to maintain law and order and apprehend criminals.
He said Government is committed to upholding public order and sought to assure the police of its unwavering support “so long as they are doing the right thing.”
He also pledged to support the Inspector General of Police in tackling mental health challenges in the Service.
“We should avoid criminalizing attempted suicide and instead foster a culture of support for those in need.”
Internal Security and National Administration Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo urged the officers to bring out the good image of the service.
“Many people take their security and safety for granted. There is need to appreciate the police officers who make it possible for us to go about our daily lives without being disturbed,” said Dr Omollo, adding that the police reforms aimed at improving police welfare through the implementations of the Maraga taskforce recommendations are well on course.
The Inspector General of Police Mr Douglas Kanja, thanked the police officers for their sacrifices.
Present was Deputy Inspector General(APS) Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, Deputy Inspector General (KPS), Mr Eliud Lagat, Bishop Dr. K. Kibet, Pastors and bishops from various denominations.
