NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has bolstered its security apparatus with the commissioning of a new fleet of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, aimed at enhancing law enforcement operations in high-risk areas.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen presided over the commissioning of the second batch of the specialized vehicles at the General Service Unit (GSU) headquarters in Ruaraka.
The deployment of these vehicles is part of the administration’s broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to modernize security forces.
Murkomen emphasized that the new fleet would significantly enhance the police’s ability to combat emerging crimes, tackle complex security threats, and protect Kenya’s borders.
“These vehicles will be instrumental in fighting cattle rustling and banditry, particularly in the northern parts of the country and other remote areas,” said Murkomen.
He noted that ongoing security operations have already led to a 70 percent decline in banditry incidents.
The commissioning marks the first major upgrade of such security equipment in a decade, aligning with President William Ruto’s strategy to integrate technology into crime-fighting efforts.
Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous police training to keep pace with evolving crime trends.
Beyond equipment upgrades, the government is also focusing on institutional police reforms.
The Ministry of interior is working on implementing recommendations from the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, which includes addressing police welfare concerns such as remuneration, resource allocation, and mental health support.
“We are also reviewing internal disciplinary mechanisms to ensure a disciplined service, in collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the National Police Service (NPS), and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC),” Murkomen stated.
In line with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to undertake robust modernisation program within the security sector, today, I commissioned the second batch of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Standard Duty Vehicles at General Service Unit (GSU)…
To further strengthen the force, the government plans to advertise new police recruitment opportunities in the coming weeks.
Murkomen assured the public that the process would be transparent and free from corruption.
The event was attended by several top security officials, including Internal Security PS Dr. Raymond Omollo, NPSC Chairman Eliud Kinuthia, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni.
