The Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, has deployed 19 officers attached to the National Police Service (NPS) for new duties in the neighbouring Somalia.
In a statement dated Wednesday, July 27, NPS announced that the officers were scheduled to travel to the Horn of Africa country for new assignments starting July 28.
The team will form part of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) tasked with peace-keeping in the war-torn country.
"The Director of Planning in the National Police Service, Patrick Ndunda, AIG, accompanied by the Deputy Director, Human Capital Development, Robert Mureithi, AIG, and other senior police officers, today held a successful briefing session with nineteen police officers who have been deployed tomorrow for peacekeeping in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS)," read Mutyambai's statement in part.
Ndunda urged the officers to display dedication and true commitment in the discharge of assigned roles at all times. He implored upon them to be good ambassadors, not just for the National Police Service but for the country as well.
Further, he advised the officers to conduct themselves with the highest degree of discipline and professionalism while respecting the laws and customs in Somalia.
Ndunda made the statement on behalf of the Inspector General who also doubles as the President of AFRIPOL General Assembly.
"The National Police Service has a long history of deploying officers for peace-keeping missions.
"They have rendered distinguished selfless service on the African continent and around the world aimed at de-escalating violence in war-torn countries and ensuring peaceful coexistence by supporting dialogue, training, mentoring, advising, and sharing experiences," the statement added.
In October 2021, Mutyambai had promised to increase the number of police officers sent to Somalia to bolster peacekeeping efforts.
Immediately, NPS kicked off a process of assessing Kenyan officers suitable to handle peace-keeping duties alongside security personnel from other countries.
He argued that stability in Somalia is good for the economic growth of the region.
