Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki Friday, December 16, announced that the government will set up a Benevolent Fund for families and dependents of police officers who fall in the line of duty.
Speaking during the 4th memorial ceremony for fallen police officers at the Embakasi Training College, the CS revealed that a team from relevant institutions was set up to work out the framework to operationalise the Fund that will enhance and consolidate benefits for fallen officers.
“We are committed to policies and practices that will at least mitigate the pain of those left behind by our fallen officers.
We will ensure that all the relevant dues, including payment, gratuities and pensions, where applicable, are paid to the families," Kindiki noted.
In addition, the CS announced plans by the government to prioritize the kins of fallen police officers in subsequent recruitment as a way of extending help to the families.
According to him, children, widows and close relatives of the deceased will stand a chance of being recruited into the Police Service. He stated that six widows and three orphans of departed officers were slated to graduate in the forthcoming pass out in January.
Kindiki added that the government will facilitate the movement of spouses and immediate family members who wish to move closer to their homes after the death of their kin.
Other measures announced by the CS include health insurance covers and scholarships for bereaved children, as well as moral support.
"We will sustain prioritization of the consideration of at least one eligible member whenever recruitment opportunities in our police service and the prison services arise," Kindiki stated.
"The Benevolent Fund will raise money to support families that are left behind in terms of accessing modest scholarships for the children, and medical attention for those who are left behind as dependents, and other forms of emergencies in education, health."
In response to ever-growing risks facing police officers in their line of duty, the CS noted that the government was committed to enhancing the ability of the government to confront contemporary threats by modernizing its equipment.
The CS also reiterated President Ruto's dedication to improving the welfare of all police officers. He assured that a task force to review the terms of service for police officers would be formed to provide a framework for reviewing their wages and welfare in general.
On his part, Inspector General Japhet Koome sounded a warning to persons engaging in criminal activities. The IG stated that police officers are allowed to use their firearms in containing their threats.
The announcements came against the backdrop of the rampant killings of police officers while on duty combating various criminal activities. According to statistics from the Ministry of Interior, a total of 57 police officers were killed in 2022.
