Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki announced an overhaul in the police service that would see the transfer of officers who have overstayed in their work stations.
The CS spoke on Wednesday November 30, addressing specialized police formations that included the General Service Unit (GSU), the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Critical Infrastructure Policing Unit (CIPU) and Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) stationed in Kakuma and other parts of Turkana County.
Kindiki assured that officers who had served in their posts for a long time would be transferred to other parts of the country, emphasising that those in volatile workstations would be redeployed to less stressful stations.
"Last year it was not possible to interrupt the security operations in the country due to the election year, but in a few weeks we will bring other officers to continue from where you have left," Kindiki affirmed while on a mission in Turkana county.
He detailed that the changeover was to ensure rotation of officers within the borders to enhance different experiences for the continuity of the service.
“Many of you have not been able to see your families for a long time. We should make it a bit feasible for your families to have a better life even as you serve the country in these circumstances," the CS pointed out.
Kindiki declared that the process would commence after the festive season following deep negotiations with the GSU commandant, Douglas Kanja and the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Japhet Koome.
The CS announced that his presence was to deliver a message of appreciation and encouragement to the officers stationed in the volatile area.
He lauded their efforts and countless sacrifices to ensure that civilians are adequately protected.
Officers were assured of maximum support from the national government with Kindiki reiterating that President William Ruto would soon announce a task force to look into the improved welfare and compensation of officers.
“As you continue serving our country, the government is also thinking about your welfare and the welfare of your families,” the CS highlighted.
Kindiki announced that the government was up-scaling and revitalizing the Police Equipment Modernization Program to increase air and land assets and personal protective equipment for officers who are in the frontline confronting banditry, terrorism and organized crime.
"We need to do more within the police equipment modernization programme to provide better facilities to confront the security threats you are dealing with everyday," Kindiki proclaimed.
He reiterated the commitment of the president and government efforts to ensure peace amidst all threats of bandits and cattle rustlers which he referred to as terrorism.
"The government will be taking a number of policy reforms and decisions to empower National Government Adminstration Officers (NGAO) to ensure effective and complimentary service in the force," Kindiki announced.
He announced that 630 National Police Reservists(NPR) would soon be recruited and deployed to complement the existing forces.
"It is the policy of government that weapons are only used to neutralize threats and the government will defend officers from any attacks from outside forces including IPOA, weapons are not ornamental but for use in protecting citizens and their property," Kindiki expressed.
The Interior CS mourned eight officers who were killed in a recent bandit attack in Turkana County.
He was flanked by Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, GSU commandant Douglas Kanja, Turkana County Security Team and Senior Ministry officials.
