NAIVASHA, Kenya – Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat made an unannounced visit to Naivasha Police Station on Thursday to evaluate both operational standards and the welfare of officers, highlighting his commitment to strengthening community-police relations.
Upon arrival, Lagat inspected key areas of the station, including the Report Office, Child Protection Unit, holding cells, and the Traffic Office.
His visit coincided with an ongoing session between Naivasha officers and members of the Beach Management Unit (BMU), a community group active in curbing crime around Lake Naivasha.
The BMU, a cornerstone of local community policing efforts, partners with police to address theft, environmental offenses, and disturbances in the lake region.
Commending the officers, DIG Lagat noted the significance of community engagement programs such as the BMU and the Naivasha Police Football Club.
He praised these initiatives for fostering positive interactions, saying they “build essential trust between the police and the community, laying the groundwork for safer neighborhoods.”
The football club, in particular, serves as an informal setting for officers and locals to connect outside the pressures of daily policing, reinforcing mutual respect and cooperation.
During a briefing with Naivasha Sub-County Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Anthony Keter, Lagat emphasized the growing need to prioritize mental health and well-being within the force.
“The mental health of our officers is crucial,” he stated. “A healthy, supported force is more effective and better equipped to serve the public.”
He urged Chief Inspector Mark Lampas, Officer Commanding Station (OCS), to ensure support systems are readily accessible to officers, underscoring a shift toward a more proactive approach in addressing the emotional demands of police work.
By actively involving communities in initiatives like the BMU, Lagat asserted that local partnerships not only help prevent crime but also strengthen the social fabric essential for sustainable public safety.
Upon arrival, Lagat inspected key areas of the station, including the Report Office, Child Protection Unit, holding cells, and the Traffic Office.
His visit coincided with an ongoing session between Naivasha officers and members of the Beach Management Unit (BMU), a community group active in curbing crime around Lake Naivasha.
The BMU, a cornerstone of local community policing efforts, partners with police to address theft, environmental offenses, and disturbances in the lake region.
Commending the officers, DIG Lagat noted the significance of community engagement programs such as the BMU and the Naivasha Police Football Club.
He praised these initiatives for fostering positive interactions, saying they “build essential trust between the police and the community, laying the groundwork for safer neighborhoods.”
The football club, in particular, serves as an informal setting for officers and locals to connect outside the pressures of daily policing, reinforcing mutual respect and cooperation.
During a briefing with Naivasha Sub-County Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Anthony Keter, Lagat emphasized the growing need to prioritize mental health and well-being within the force.
“The mental health of our officers is crucial,” he stated. “A healthy, supported force is more effective and better equipped to serve the public.”
He urged Chief Inspector Mark Lampas, Officer Commanding Station (OCS), to ensure support systems are readily accessible to officers, underscoring a shift toward a more proactive approach in addressing the emotional demands of police work.
By actively involving communities in initiatives like the BMU, Lagat asserted that local partnerships not only help prevent crime but also strengthen the social fabric essential for sustainable public safety.
