Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has proposed to use high-tech surveillance drones with the ability to conduct night patrols to enhance security.
While speaking on Citizen TV on Wednesday, May 14, Murkomen proposed the introduction of high-tech drones as he expressed his desire for more resources in the security sector. This comes as the number of national police officers dropped by 3,867 between 2023 and 2024.
“If I had a wishlist, my first wish would be technology. Our dream, which is within our plan, is to have more drones, and not just the simple drones, the ones that have longer flight capability and night vision,” Murkomen stated.
“I think that if you have that, you cut your costs in terms of surveillance because it helps you do better surveillance,” he added.
Also, the Interior CS hoped for better equipment for police officers and high-level training for the forces. As per Murkomen, this would result in a better-trained and better-equipped police force that would be better placed to maintain law and order.
“By doing this, few can operate in an operational area with better equipment,” Murkomen averred.
He also advocated for greater air power, calling for more helicopters to enhance air surveillance and prompt transportation of officers to conflict-prone areas.
As per the CS, such an investment will result in a more secure country, thus contributing to economic empowerment and stability. Murkomen also stressed the need for promoting education that would ensure a more informed citizenry alert to any security threat.
Murkomen’s comments come against the backdrop of a recent report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealing the dwindling fortunes of Kenya’s security apparatus.
In the report, it disclosed that the number of police officers across various security agencies experienced a notable drop. For instance, in the Kenya Police Service, officers reduced to 88,483 in 2024 from 92,350 in 2023. This revealed a 3,867 drop in the workforce.
Also, prison officers reduced by 590 to 30,559 in 2024 from 31,149 in 2023. The reduction of the officers could be attributed to retirement, injuries resulting in incapacitation or passing away.
However, the government recently revealed plans to recruit approximately 10,000 police officers to aid in law enforcement in the country. The process, as per the state, would be done online, indicating a shift from the status quo that has been there since time immemorial.
