President Uhuru Kenyatta has constantly spoken about modernising Kenya's security sector, from the military to the police.
On January 17, he announced a comprehensive new strategy to deal with terror groups such as Al-Shabaab and radical extremism in the country. The new structure focused on multi-agency coordination, advanced training and equipment upgrades, community involvement and incentives for security officers.
"We understand that in a dynamic operating environment characterized by emerging and asymmetrical threats, investment in modern technology and cutting-edge training is instrumental for 21st Century law enforcement," Kenyatta added on Thursday, November 19 while speaking in Kitui County.
Border Police Facility Upgrade
On Thursday, November 19, Kenyatta officially launched several infrastructure projects among them new lecture halls and barracks, an Integrated, communication centre and sixty staff houses.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of a modern hospital and flagged off a fleet of 35 patrol vehicles donated by the US Government to beef up Kenya's anti-terrorism efforts.
Ksh 141 billion KDF Helicopters.
On Thursday, January 23, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) received new helicopters that were commissioned by then Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe in Embakasi, Nairobi.
According to KDF, the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior choppers are of modern generation attack. The planes cost approximately Ksh 141 billion.
The multi-purpose armed helicopter can be deployed in tactical, reconnaissance and transport operations. It can also carry out airborne law enforcement, executive and personnel transport, air medical services, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting and other public safety missions
Ulinzi Sports Complex
On Wednesday, October 28, Kenyatta commissioned the construction of the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi’s Lang’ata area.
The complex will have various sporting facilities such as an Olympic-size swimming pool, a 7,500 capacity football stadium, outdoor basketball and tennis courts as well as an indoor arena.
The indoor arena will feature a gymnasium, volleyball court, martial arts, table tennis and other indoor sports facilities.
Other than the sporting facilities, the complex will have a recreational nature trail and an aquatic centre for water-oriented sports. It will be open sports personalities, military personnel and their families.
National Security Industrialisation Project
This project saw the government enroll university students in their early 20s who developed security weapons such as the CMZ 4 Assault Rifle, devices countering improvised explosives and other high-tech firearms.
The students were recruited by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) under the guidance of lecturers.
The KDF's 10th Battle Group (10GB) were equipped with the weapons to be used to counter the militia group Al-Shabaab in Somalia. The Office of the President is reportedly funding the 700 youth in the program.
