Police modernisation to cost Sh28billion, Interior CS Murkomen say

The government has promised to deliver a Kshbillion-worth state-of-the-art police equipment to bolster the police operations in the country.
The equipment includes protective gear and armored vehicles.
Interior and National Administration, Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, said the Police Service will this year receive 3,000 new vehicles to help improve their working conditions.
Speaking during the National Police Service Interdenominational prayer service at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus, Murokomen, said 1,000 vehicles would be delivered early this year, while the rest will be made available later.
The CS said the government was committed to improving the welfare of police officers and transforming the National Police Service into a modern, professional, and well-equipped force capable of guaranteeing the safety and security of all Kenyans.
He lauded Kenya’s security leadership across the globe. He cited the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti in which 400 officers have been deployed to combat gang violence.
The CS said the multi-agency Operation Maliza Uhalifu in 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.
He lauded various reforms carried out under the leadership of his predecessor, who is now Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki adding that the ongoing digitization of police operations and the implementation of the David Maraga Taskforce recommendations as some of the issues critical for the improvement of the police welfare.
According to the taskforce recommendations, effective from July last year, lower-cadre officers received a salary increment of up to 20 per cent, and an additional 10 per cent increment is set to take effect this year. The Government has also 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 who is also an Ex-Elgeyo Marakwet Senator said.
The Ex-Transport & Infrastructure said the Government would 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,”added Murkomen.
The CS said abduction is not permitted adding that the National Police Service’s work is to maintain law and order and apprehend criminals.
He said the 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.”
The immediate former Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs,Creative Economy and Sports 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 a need to appreciate the police officers who make it possible for us to go about our daily lives without being disturbed,” Omollo stated.
He said 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 Douglas Kanja, thanked the police officers for their sacrifices.
Present was Deputy Inspector General(APS) Gilbert Masengeli, Deputy Inspector General (KPS), Eliud Lagat and a host of religious leadership from various denominations.