The United States Embassy has announced a $7 million (Ksh930 million) initiative to support the modernisation and professionalisation of the Kenya Police Service.
The initiative was launched on Friday, August 28, at the Police Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, with the United States saying well-trained police officers are essential to ensuring the safety of citizens and creating a secure environment for businesses operating in the country.
"We believe well-trained officers can best protect and serve their fellow citizens. Safety is vital for Kenyan and American businesses operating here," the embassy said.
The embassy said the importance of professional policing had informed its decision to support Kenya’s efforts to modernise the service through the new initiative.
"This is why we are proud to launch a $7 million (Ksh930 million) initiative today at the Police Training College in Kiganjo to support Kenya’s pursuit of a modern, professional, and effective police service," the statement added.
Read More
Elsewhere, speaking during the Passing-out Parade of Police Recruits, President William Ruto congratulated the newly trained officers and recognised the role played by their instructors, commanders and families throughout their training.
"To our new law-enforcement officers, I congratulate you on successfully completing your training. I equally commend your instructors and commanders for preparing you for this onerous responsibility, and thank your parents, guardians and families for the sacrifices, encouragement and prayers that have sustained you throughout this journey," he said.
Ruto said the police have a responsibility to protect citizens while ensuring that their powers are exercised within the law and with respect for human dignity.
"The police must protect citizens from crime, violence, intimidation, and disorder. At the same time, the authority of the police must be exercised lawfully, professionally and with respect to the life and dignity of every person," he added.
Ruto said security should enable Kenyans to go about their daily activities without fear, including working, travelling, expressing their views and participating in political processes.
"A secure country is one in which a mother can walk home without fear; a trader can conduct business without intimidation; a family can sleep without anxiety; and a citizen can express an opinion, attend a political meeting, and cast a vote without coercion," he further said.
Ruto also pointed to the changing nature of crime, noting that emerging threats require the police and other security agencies to develop stronger capabilities and improve cooperation.
"Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated. Cyber-crime, financial fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, organised crime and technology-enabled violence demand new capabilities, stronger intelligence, and deeper cooperation among security agencies," he noted.
Ruto further said the effectiveness of modern policing should not be judged solely by arrests, but by its broader impact on crime prevention, protection of lives and public confidence in the security system.
"Modern policing cannot be measured only by the number of suspects arrested. It must also be measured by the crimes prevented, the lives protected, the confidence created and the safety citizens experience," he stated.
-1787910408.png)
