The Police force is set to benefit from three key reforms if Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s latest sentiments are anything to go by.
Murkomen, who attended an interdenominational prayer service at the National Police College, Embakasi on Sunday, January 12, announced thereafter that members of the police force are set to receive a salary increase, enhanced medical coverage, and better housing.
“The men and women responsible for keeping our country safe and secure need our unwavering support in order to effectively discharge their mandate,” he stated.
“That’s why we are committed to fully implementing police reforms, including a salary increase, enhanced medical coverage, and better housing.”
Several Kenyan police Landcruisers parked in a yard
Photo
NPS
According to Murkomen, the police service will receive 3,000 new vehicles in 2025 as part of a major Government programme to ensure security agencies in the country conduct their mandate seamlessly by improving their working conditions.
In addition, the newly-appointed Interior CS revealed plans to modernise equipment and digitise operations.
The move to increase police vehicles will be a welcome one by police officers, especially after Murkomen’s predecessor in the Interior docket Kithure Kindiki recently highlighted the plight officers faced while on duty.
In September 2024, Kindiki before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security confirmed that the National Police Service (NPS) was reeling under a deficit of vehicles in police stations, which featured among the biggest issues hampering police from adequately conducting their mandate.
According to Kindiki’s projections, about half of the police stations in the country do not have vehicles.” meaning that at least 1500 police stations in the country face the same plight.
Murkomen also thanked his predecessor for laying the foundation for police reforms, which he claims have been key in enhancing police operations in Kenya and her borders.
In terms of salary increment, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration revealed in a statement on Sunday that reforms were already underway with r, lower-cadre officers receiving a salary increment of up to 20% in July 2024. An additional 10% increment is set to take effect this year.
Finally, in the housing department, Murkomen said 582 units had already been delivered and 1,000 more were under construction. The government plans to provide 17,000 new housing units under the Affordable Housing Programme.
Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a past function. PHOTO/ Courtesy.