Security officers have been directed to be firm and not be distracted by the external pressures and manipulation currently experienced in the country.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i yesterday said as the country entered the electioneering period, temperatures were already rising calling for professionalism.

“This is the time to stay calm and stay focussed at the work at hand. It is not time to raise temperatures,” he said.

Matiang’i said police reforms and welfare were on course adding that the government will strengthen police special units to deal with the emerging security challenges.

The CS was speaking at the Industrial Area Police Station during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of 210 houses for the officers attached to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The construction is expected to be complete in the next one year. The complex will also include a police canteen, pharmacy, convenience store, a recreation centre and a children’s play area.

The design incorporates green space with trees and landscaped lawns.

Matiang’i said the project was part of the Memorandum of Understanding entered into between CBK and the National Police Service in December 2018, whose first phase incorporated the construction of the Kenya Police Leadership Academy in Ngong.

The Academy, commissioned in May this year, is funded by the CBK at a cost of Sh1 billion and is expected to be completed early next year.

“We have learnt something with collaboration with the CBK. The police service has prime lands and places which can be developed to improve welfare of the officers,” the CS said

The Ngong Academy, upon completion, will provide the service with modern facilities for the training of its senior leadership.