Government pumps Sh37 billion on security equipment upgrade
The Government plans to invest Sh37 billion in a bid to upgrade security equipment.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof Kithure Kindiki confirmed the first batch of equipment had arrived in the country.
“The government has spent Sh7 billion in the last year to purchase security equipment and the first batch has arrived in the country. The equipment is being assembled by the supplier before they hand it over to the Kenyan government,” said Prof Kindiki.
According to the CS, the first batch includes personal protective gear which will be handed to the police officers in the country.
In the next two months, the government will also receive drones and other modern surveillance equipment while the third batch which includes weapons, helicopters, and other aerial mobility will arrive in the country in 2024.
The new equipment comes amid consistent assurances by the government aimed at protecting police officers by ensuring they are well-equipped.
Kindiki has been at the forefront in ensuring police officers work with modernised weapons as they face challenges of confronting criminals and restoring order in some volatile areas.
“I will ensure officers are well equipped as we must neutralise the enemy from all angles. We shall ensure that the country is safe and everyone can work and invest without being worried about the security level,” he said in December 2023.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo also stressed the importance of equipping the police.
“The national security sector priorities have been catalogued in the Budget Financial Year 2023/24, with a prime focus on securing Kenya’s development environment. The State Department for Internal Security was allocated Sh28.2 billion,” he said.
Prof Kindiki said plans were also underway to ensure that all locals who fled their homes due to terror attacks are assured of their safety.
Also read: Life & Times of Charles Ouda: From bartender in New York to nurturing talent in Kenya