Police service to receive Sh28b boost to improve operations

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and PS Raymond Omollo and other leaders at Embakasi church.[Photo,Ministry of Interior]

The National Police Service is set for significant upgrades this year, with the government allocating Sh28 billion to enhance its operations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced on Sunday, January 12.

The funds will support the purchase of modern protective gear, armored vehicles, and new vehicles over the next two years.

"The police service will receive 3,000 new vehicles this year as part of a major government program to improve the working conditions of security officers and enable them to address national safety challenges more effectively," said Murkomen.

The first batch of 1,000 vehicles will be delivered at the beginning of the year, with the rest to follow later.

This initiative aims to modernise the police service, improve officers' welfare, as well as their capacity to provide safety and security to citizens.

Murkomen lauded the country's security units, highlighting the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, where 400 officers are combating gang violence. He also noted that the multi-agency Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift has achieved a 62 per cent reduction in cattle rustling.

Pay hike

The Interior CS also announced a forthcoming salary increment for lower-cadre officers, following a 20 per cent raise implemented in July last year.

"An additional 10 per cent pay increase is set to take effect this year," he added.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve police welfare, including inclusion in medical schemes and affordable housing programs.

He also warned that the government will track and prosecute criminals, including those issuing threats online.

Additionally, Murkomen pledged support for the Inspector General of Police in addressing mental health challenges within the service.

"We should avoid criminalising attempted suicide and instead foster a culture of support for those in need," he said.

His PS Raymond Omollo further urged officers to uphold a positive image of the service.

"Many people take their security and safety for granted. We must appreciate the police officers who make it possible for us to go about our daily lives undisturbed," Omollo said.