Boost for police as Murkomen commissions 10 more protective vehicles

Critical Response Team (CRT) Officers

Police operations in parts of north rift and northern Kenya got a boost after interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen commissioned ten more protective vehicles for use.

The commissioning of the mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP) on Thursday, March 6, is the latest in a continuous program to modernize police equipment.

Murkomen argued that since the police started to use the vehicles and the armored personnel carriers (APC), they have reduced banditry by 70 percent.

“We are investing in protective equipment to help our agencies deal with criminals. We are investing in resources for training to upscale their skills,” he said.

He said there will be continuous training of police officers to be in tandem with the world.

Further, as part of the reforms, the government will I improve the welfare of the officers.

“We will increase their monies.

I assure that the government will avail more resources to cover their insurance,” he added.

He said he had talked to the affected insurance firms to allow the personnel continue using their covers ahead of planned increases in funding.

He made the remarks when he commissioned the vehicles at the General Service Unit headquarters in Nairobi.

Present was his Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja and his deputies Gilbert Masengeli and Eliud Lagat and DCI Mohamed Amin.

He said reforms will continue to ensure the service is a disciplined and modern team.

The CS told the service to also focus on mental health to address the menace.

“We are going to identify and treat the officers facing the challenges of mental health. Let those nearing retirement be posted to near their homes for proper management,” he said.

He said the acquired vehicles have spares to ensure they continue to operate in any part of the country.

“We cannot make progress until the country first is safe. When the country is safe, local and foreign investors will feel comfortable to put their money in businesses, enterprises, factories that generate jobs for our people, and we can now talk about economic development and growth,” he stated.

The CS said the country has lost officers in the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) engaging in the fight against serious crimes. He assured officers serving in FOBs that they would be protected and facilitated.

Kanja said the vehicles had saved police officers’ lives.

“Guns are being silenced because of these vehicles and officers’ dedication,” he said.

Murkomen affirmed the government’s commitment to secure the country from internal and external aggression through the modernization of police equipment.

Last year, in March former interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki flagged off another fleet of ten state-of-the-art Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) at the Port of Mombasa that will bolster operations in the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to tackle terrorism, banditry and organized crimes.

Kindiki said the government is on course to implement a five-year police equipment modernization program that began last year.

It will cost a whopping Sh37 billion. Already, Sh7 billion have been used to purchase equipment.
“We have also received under one year other forms of equipment other than the motor vehicles including arms and ammunition,” he added.

The government is expecting to receive personal protective equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) which are “armored, do not require personnel, they can do surveillance and also attack when a command has been given remotely.

Kenya has allocated Sh7.6 billion and plans to invest an additional Sh29.4 billion over the next three years in the Police Equipment Modernization (PEM) program.

This initiative aims to provide the police with modern equipment and mobility solutions such as armored personnel carriers (APC), mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), drones, attack helicopters, mine sweepers, and personal protective equipment, focusing on the safety of frontline officers.

Historically, the police have accumulated a diverse fleet of armored vehicles.

This purchase is a key part of Kenya’s broader strategy to improve its defensive posture against terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.

The Springbuck vehicles acquired are distinguished by their robust construction and superior protection capabilities, providing essential security for personnel engaged in combat.

The Springbuck is a South African armored personnel carrier.

Equipped with a 6-cylinder MWM 6.12 TCA turbo diesel intercooled engine, capable of producing 286 horsepower and 782 lb-ft of torque.

Its 5-speed automatic transmission Allison 3000SP and two-speed transfer case for high and low ranges enhance its ability to maneuver in various conditions.

It has an acceleration from 0 to 48 km/h in 15 seconds and the capability to climb maximum slopes of 35 degrees.

Its ability to tackle side slopes up to 22 degrees and a range of 600 kilometers allows it to navigate long distances without frequent refueling.

The Springbuck can operate in temperatures ranging from -8°C to 50°C, ensuring its reliability in extreme environments.