The US government has launched a $7 million (Sh930 million) initiative to support the modernisation and professionalisation of Kenya’s police service.
The initiative which was the construction of the chief physical training instructor grounds, was launched on Friday at the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, with the US Embassy in Kenya saying the programme will support Kenya’s efforts to build a modern, professional and effective police service.
“We believe well-trained officers can best protect and serve their fellow citizens. Safety is vital for Kenyan and American businesses operating here,” the US Embassy said in a statement posted on X.
The Embassy also congratulated the newest police officers graduating from the training college, reaffirming the US commitment to supporting security and prosperity in Kenya.
“This is why we are proud to launch a $7 million (Sh930 million) initiative today at the Police Training College in Kiganjo to support Kenya’s pursuit of a modern, professional, and effective police service,” it said.
The initiative comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen police training, professionalism and effectiveness in Kenya.
Over 6,000 officers graduated on Friday in a ceremony presided over by President William Ruto in Kiganjo.
During the event, Ruto said there is no room for politically-sponsored violence in Kenya. “Our democracy must never be hijacked by hired gangs, intimidation, ethnic mobilisation or violence.”
“The police must take firm, lawful and impartial action against individuals who finance, organise, incite or perpetrate political violence,” he said.
He said the ground is a major investment in modernising police training and preparing our officers for the demands of modern policing.
The project, supported by the United States Government in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will include new facilities as well as upgrading and refurbishment of infrastructure at the college.
The new facilities will be key in raising the standards of our officers.
He said modern policing demands personnel who are physically prepared, professionally competent, technologically proficient and psychologically resilient.
“We will continue to provide our security personnel with the resources, equipment and training they need, while continuously improving their welfare and working conditions. We have already made significant progress.”
Ruto said the three-phase review of police remuneration has been completed, with the entry-level basic pay for a police constable rising from Sh21,645 to Sh29,360.
Salaries across other ranks have also been adjusted upwards, he added.
He added they are addressing the long-standing shortage of police housing through the National Institutional Housing Programme, which comprises 47,464 housing units across 165 projects. More than 2,000 units have been completed, over 9,500 are at various stages of construction.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
