NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 — President William Ruto has directed the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to ensure all newly recruited police officers are provided with uniforms funded by the National Police Service.
Ruto who spoke Tuesday during the passing out parade of 2,881 police officers at the National Police College Main Campus — Kiganjo stressed that no man or woman in uniform should have to purchase official outfits with their own money.
“I do not expect what has been happening in the past, that these officers are asked to go and look for uniforms and buy them using their own money in the whole manner of places,” he said.
The Head of State called on the IG to work in collaboration with the office of the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to ensure that police are given adequate resources to execute their mandate.
He pointed out that the government will provide police officers with appropriate uniforms.
“I expect that the uniform that these and women will be given will be of the quality that meets the standards for our police men and women who perform distinguished security functions in the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
While commenting on his decision granting financial autonomy to the National Police Service, the Head of State noted that with the transfer of the police budget from the Office of the President to that of the IG, the service acquired the independence necessary to uphold efficiency, professionalism and accountability.
He went on to say that the move further provided an impetus in the fight against corruption and improved citizen confidence in the police thereby enhancing the institution’s credibility and authority.
The Head of State added that the move ended the culture of what he described as weaponising the criminal justice system.
“Further, we have delivered on our commitment to our gallant men and women serving in the police service by establishing the Police and Prisons Services Reforms Task Force to look into a broad range of issues affecting service delivery, including the terms and conditions of service of the officer,” he said.
In connection with the welfare and conditions of service, President Ruto said that his administration has prioritized the provision of secure and affordable housing for police officers in the government’s affordable housing program.
To optimize the crime-solving capabilities of a modern, professional and efficient police service, President Ruto said the government is enhancing its investment in the National Forensic Laboratory to ensure that it has the necessary modern equipment and facilities to conclude complex investigations and significantly improve the success rate in supporting the prosecution of criminals.
