The government will prioritise the procurement of modern weapons and equipment including personal protection gear for police officers working in cattle rustling and banditry prone areas.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki said specialised teams deployed to the North Rift and officers engaged in counter-terrorism activities will be the immediate beneficiaries of sophisticated air and land weapons under the Police Equipment Modernization Programme.
Addressing specialized teams drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Kakuma, the CS stated that the investment will reinforce the ongoing operation to stamp out insecurity in traditional hotspots and minimise fatalities and injuries to officers in the line of duty.
“We have taken a decision to upscale and revitalize the equipment modernization programme and acquire more air and land assets as well as personal protective equipment to enable you perform your work better and efficiently…When you are protecting your fellow citizens, your own lives must also be protected from danger," CS Kithure said.
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He noted that the necessary funding had been secured and disbursed for the program adding that the Government would pump more resources into police welfare with President William Ruto expected to soon unveil a taskforce to review their terms and conditions of work.
“As you continue serving our country, the government is also thinking about your welfare and the welfare of your families. The Head of State will soon unveil a taskforce that will look into your welfare and compensation," he stated.
