The Government is reforming the National Police Service to enhance its ability to protect lives and property, President William Ruto has said.
He said the government is pursuing a raft of reforms to build the capacity of the service.
“We shall sustain the momentum we have started this process with and ensure we complete the turn-around of the National Police Service for the benefit of all Kenyans,” he said.
The President cited the establishment of a police reform taskforce, an insurance cover for officers and the transfer of full financial autonomy for the police as the key initiatives that have already been implemented.
President Ruto made the remarks on Thursday during the official opening of the Border Police Hospital, a 130-bed Level 4 facility at Kanyonyoo in Kitui County.
He said the hospital will offer specialised medical services, including critical care, to police officers, their families and members of the public.
“This project demonstrates that we are willing to take measures to rehabilitate those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder as well as on duty trauma,” he added.
The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Peninah Malonza (Tourism), National Police Inspector General Japhet Koome, and Governors Julius Malombe (Kitui) and Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok).
Prof Kindiki said the Government will continue enhancing the capacity of specialized units to manage complex and emerging security challenges. Mr Koome lauded the Government for establishing a comprehensive insurance cover, noting that the move has boosted the morale officers.
