President William Ruto has assured the National Police Service that the Government will provide affordable housing and boost their welfare benefits.
President Ruto was speaking when he presided over his first pass-out parade of 2,881 police constables at the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri county, on Tuesday.
"The country is now ready for new policing services that will enhance the credibility of the institution," he said.
The Head of State said the reforms were in line with the government's agenda to build affordable homes.
"We have prioritised the provision of comfortable, spacious and safe housing for officers in our housing fund and this will go a long way in addressing the shortage facing members of the service," he said.
President Ruto assured that the Government will also provide a comprehensive insurance scheme to police officers and their families starting this month.
"My government will provide a comprehensive insurance scheme, additionally two fully equipped National Police Service hospitals are complete and will soon be available," he said.
He further said that the Government will provide uniforms to all police officers, unlike the previous regime where they were forced to buy for themselves.
"I do not expect what has been happening in the past where officers were required to buy uniforms using their own money. The government will provide uniforms that meet the standards required for our police men and women," he said.
The Head of State announced that the Government has established a Police and Prison Service reform task force that will look into the issues affecting service delivery.
"We have also delivered our commitment to our officers, by forming a police and prison task force that will look into issues affecting our officers, "he said
President Ruto urged officers to understand the Constitution in order to offer security to Kenyans without compromising their freedom and rights.
"I want you to make sure you are aware of section 10 of the Constitution, it's upon yourself to serve in such a manner that we will never have to make a mistake between democracy, rule of law and freedom," he said.
He was accompanied by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome. In line with the reforms, President Ruto said his government will strengthen community policing to curb insecurity.
"Our officers cannot effectively manage crime without community input," he said.
