President William Ruto has said that, over the next two years, the government is looking to spend Ksh28 billion to implement an array of technological advancements to improve the operational efficiency and outcomes of the country’s police force.
Speaking during the launch of the National Police Service and State Department for Correctional Service Strategic Plans for 2023–2027 at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, Nairobi, the President stated that the ambitious modernisation programme will include new equipment and weapons, as well as the full digitisation of police operations, to enhance their effectiveness and accountability as they go about their daily law enforcement duties.
“I want to commit that I intend to see the process of modernisation to completion in the next two years so that we can have the equipment, vehicles, and ammunition necessary to protect our country,” he said, revealing that the government has already spent Ksh2 billion in the ongoing development of programmatic strategies to reform the policing systems in the country.
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“We need a modern police service, and technology is key to this. We must ensure we digitise operations, including the famous OB (Occurrence Book),” the President added.
He said 1,000 new vehicles will be acquired for the police early next year under the police leasing programme, with plans to procure an additional 2,000 cruisers at an advanced stage. This will enable rapid response to emergencies and enhanced patrol coverage for effective crime prevention.
To improve the living conditions of police officers, President Ruto said 582 new housing units have been completed, while another 1,000 are at various stages of construction. The aim is to build 17,000 new units for police officers, he outlined.
“It is our intention to make sure that many of our policemen and women, who discharge a very sensitive responsibility of protecting all of us, work in conditions that help them discharge that responsibility.”
He finished by saying that the move to modernise the police force emphasises the need to strengthen their capabilities to match international standards in order to satisfactorily serve the citizens, immediately control local crime, and combat transnational crime and terrorism to restore public trust and confidence.
That was after commending the leadership of the police and all policemen and women for what they are currently doing in protecting citizens, their lives, and property.
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