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President Ruto unveils plan to modernize Police Service

President William Ruto has announced an ambitious modernization program for the National Police Service, allocating KSh28 billion over the next two years. This initiative aims to enhance police capabilities through new equipment, digitization of operations, and the construction of new housing units for officers.

Speaking at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete during the launch of the National Police Service and State Department for Correctional Service Strategic Plans for 2023-2027, President Ruto expressed his commitment to completing this modernization process within the next two years. “We intend to equip our police with the vehicles and ammunition necessary to protect our country,” he stated.

The government has already invested KSh2 billion to improve the standards within the police service. As part of the modernization efforts, the President announced plans to acquire 1,000 new vehicles early next year through a leasing program, addressing the shortage faced by police stations nationwide. Additionally, discussions are underway to procure 2,000 more vehicles.

To improve the living conditions of police officers, 582 new housing units have been completed, with another 1,000 units under construction. The goal is to ultimately build 17,000 new housing units. “It is our intention to ensure that our policemen and women, who have the critical responsibility of protecting all of us, work in conditions that support their duties,” President Ruto emphasized.

The modernization efforts will also align with the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, benefiting those in the security sector. The President reiterated the importance of digitizing police operations to meet international standards, highlighting the need to modernize tools such as the Occurrence Book (OB).

In addition, President Ruto stated that the government would consult police officers regarding their preferred uniform design. He commended the police for their commitment to keeping Kenyans safe despite challenging working conditions, while also urging them to move away from practices that have tarnished the police’s reputation, such as extrajudicial killings.

While acknowledging the police’s progress in investigating alarming cases of violence against women, the President emphasized that eradicating such issues requires a collaborative effort. He called on parents to guide their children morally and urged religious leaders to play an active role in addressing these societal challenges.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, among others.

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