NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 20 – The government has commissioned and dispatched the first batch of modern equipment for security personnel to bolster the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift Valley and other parts of the country, intensifying efforts to eliminate banditry and cattle rustling.
Speaking Wednesday, when he presided over the handover ceremony, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki disclosed that the government has in the last six months invested Sh 7.6 billion in modernizing the police service.
Additionally, a further Sh 29.4 billion will be allocated over the next three years under the Police Equipment Modernization (PEM) program to acquire sophisticated protected and mobility equipment, including Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs).
Kindiki stated that these funds will also facilitate the acquisition of Armoured Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Drones, Gunship Helicopters, Mine Sweepers, and Personal Protection Equipment, empowering security agencies in executing their duties effectively.
“The long-awaited moment of liberating our country from the jaws of bandits, terrorists and other organised criminals is here,” Kindiki said.
“Security officers are now directed to use this equipment to deal with criminals mercilessly and thwart the work of bandits and terrorists. Take down those armed criminals before they take you down or any of our citizens.”
The government plans to commission additional batches of equipment next month and in mid-May, reinforcing its commitment to equipping security forces adequately according to Kindiki.
Kindiki reassured that the government will unequivocally support officers who lawfully deploy the provided weapons and equipment to neutralize criminals before they inflict harm on citizens or law enforcement personnel.
He maintained that equipping and kitting of frontline officers currently deployed in Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in North Eastern Region, the Boni Enclave, Upper Eastern Region, and North Rift Valley remains a top priority for the Kenya Kwanza Administration.
Furthermore, the Interior CS affirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, banditry, livestock rustling, and other organized criminal activities across the nation.
He emphasized that this approach is pivotal for enhancing national security and propelling Kenya towards inclusive development and shared prosperity.
Present in the event were Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) Japhet Koome, Deputy Inspector-General Douglas Kanja (Kenya Police Service), and Deputy Inspector-General Noor Gabow (Administration Police Service).
The ceremony was also attended by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin, General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Eliud Lagat and other senior security officials.
