Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-16 10:44:53
The first batch of upgraded security equipment, costing Sh7 billion, has been purchased by the government through the Minister of Interior and has arrived in the country. Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki stated that the equipment, including riot gear, will be distributed to police officers nationwide. The government plans to spend Sh37 billion over the next five years on importing upgraded security equipment. Prof Kindiki mentioned that the government has already spent Sh7 billion on security equipment in the past year and that the first batch has arrived in the country, while the supplier is in the process of assembling the equipment before handing it over to the Kenyan government.
In the upcoming two months, the government is expecting to receive drones and other advanced surveillance equipment, and the third batch, expected in 2024, will include weapons, helicopters, and air mobility equipment. Senior officers traveled abroad last year to inspect the equipment and weapons before their arrival in the country. To ensure the safety and security of the nation, Prof Kindiki emphasized the importance of equipping officers to neutralize potential threats and create a secure environment for work and investment.
Raymond Omolo, a PS, spoke about the significance of upgrading equipment to prepare the officers to tackle enemies of peace and security. He disclosed that the government plans to spend Sh7 billion annually over the next five years to equip the National Police Service. The 2023/24 budget allocates Sh28.2 billion to the Ministry of Internal Security, with a focus on securing Kenya’s development environment and priorities such as upgrading equipment in the National Police Service, constructing and operationalizing national government administration offices, and capacity building of NGAOs, as well as acquiring modern equipment for the Kenya Coast Guard.
The announcement of the upgraded security equipment coincided with the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism. Elly Opondo, the director of Champions of Peace Kenya, highlighted the need for collaboration between Kenyans and authorities to eradicate extremism. He urged citizens to report anything suspicious and emphasized the government’s substantial investment in ensuring peace in the country since KDF entered Somalia to combat terrorism.
Opondo also raised concerns about the capacity of the Somali government to deal with terrorists and the potential consequences once Amison leaves Somalia. The emphasis on upgrading security equipment and the government’s commitment to equipping the National Police Service is a strong indication of the importance placed on ensuring safety and security in the country.
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