Police to receive 3,000 vehicles this year in efforts to improve service

The police service will receive 3,000 vehicles this year as part of a Government programme to improve the working conditions of security officers.

Interior 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 being modernised, with Sh28 billion allocated over the next two years for the acquisition of state-of-the-art protective gear and armoured 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 during the National Police Service Interdenominational Prayer Service held at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus.

The Cabinet Secretary 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 counterterrorism efforts have lowered Kenya’s risk to terrorist attacks significantly. The CS hailed the various reforms carried out under the leadership of his predecessor, now Deputy Kithure Kindiki. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged the officers to bring out the good image of the service.

“Many people take their security for granted. There is a need to appreciate the police officers who make it possible for us to go about our daily lives without being disturbed,” said Dr Omollo.