Police officers will no longer have to cater for the cost of their uniforms. This follows a directive by President William Ruto ordering Inspector General of the Police, Japhet Koome, to ensure that all officers get uniforms provided by the government.
Speaking while overseeing a pass-out parade of police constables at Kiganjo Training College on Tuesday, January 10, the President underscored that the government had an obligation to provide requisite uniforms for the officers and ensure that none of them is asked to purchase uniforms with their own money.
Ruto expressed his disapproval of the situation where officers were forced to pay for uniforms from their own pockets and, in some instances, forced to use substandard quality.
"I do not expect what has been happening in the past when these officers are asked to go and buy uniforms from their own pockets.
"I also expect that the uniforms will be of the quality that meets the standards that these men and women require to perform their duties,” the President stated.
In addition, the President reiterated his administration's commitment to improving the working conditions of police officers.
He noted that plans to institute reforms within the police service were on course spearheaded by the Presidential Taskforce on Police Reforms.
Among the issues raised regarding the welfare of police officers include a plan to rope them into the affordable housing plan.
He noted that the government was in the process of providing spacious and decent houses for all officers under the nationwide plan.
"We have prioritised the provision of spacious, comfortable, safe, secure, and affordable housing for police officers in our affordable housing plan. This will go a long way in delivering our pledge to address the housing shortage facing members of the police service," he stated.
He also highlighted the construction of two fully-equipped national police service hospitals aimed at serving members of the service.
Since his inauguration, the President has been on record vowing to address challenges that have bedevilled the service over the years.
He underscored that improved welfare was key to ensuring that members of the service are able to confront threats to Kenya's security.
