NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has acknowledged setbacks in the government’s ambitious plan to modernize the police service, specifically regarding the procurement of new vehicles for law enforcement.
Speaking at the launch of the National Police Service and State Department of Correctional Service strategic plans for 2023-2027, Ruto confirmed that the procurement process did not go as expected but assured the public that corrective measures are in place.
“The procurement did not go very well; we are repeating it, and by early next year, we will deliver the first 1,000 vehicles,” Ruto said.
The government plans to deliver a total of 3,000 vehicles to bolster the police force’s ability to respond to incidents effectively.
The delays have underscored the challenge faced by many police stations across the country, which Ruto admitted are struggling with inadequate transport.
The acquisition of these vehicles, including 1,000 electric cars for the police and National Government Administration Officers, was first announced in August 2024.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize the police force, with a commitment to completing the modernization by 2027.
“The process will be completed in two years, ensuring our officers are equipped with the necessary tools—vehicles, equipment, and ammunition—to protect our country,” Ruto added, emphasizing the importance of addressing these gaps swiftly.
In addition to vehicle procurement, Ruto highlighted progress in police housing, with 582 units completed and 1,000 more under construction.
The government is also in the procurement phase for an additional 17,000 housing units for police officers.
Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming police stations into centers of excellence, in line with the constitutional mandate outlined in Article 244, which calls for a professional, disciplined, and accountable police service.
Kanja outlined key priorities, including enhanced training, mental health support, and tackling corruption within the force.
To further improve service delivery, Kanja announced partnerships with the Kenya School of Government and Huduma Centers to train officers in customer service, aiming to build stronger relationships between the police and the public.
Speaking at the launch of the National Police Service and State Department of Correctional Service strategic plans for 2023-2027, Ruto confirmed that the procurement process did not go as expected but assured the public that corrective measures are in place.
“The procurement did not go very well; we are repeating it, and by early next year, we will deliver the first 1,000 vehicles,” Ruto said.
The government plans to deliver a total of 3,000 vehicles to bolster the police force’s ability to respond to incidents effectively.
The delays have underscored the challenge faced by many police stations across the country, which Ruto admitted are struggling with inadequate transport.
The acquisition of these vehicles, including 1,000 electric cars for the police and National Government Administration Officers, was first announced in August 2024.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize the police force, with a commitment to completing the modernization by 2027.
“The process will be completed in two years, ensuring our officers are equipped with the necessary tools—vehicles, equipment, and ammunition—to protect our country,” Ruto added, emphasizing the importance of addressing these gaps swiftly.
In addition to vehicle procurement, Ruto highlighted progress in police housing, with 582 units completed and 1,000 more under construction.
The government is also in the procurement phase for an additional 17,000 housing units for police officers.
Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming police stations into centers of excellence, in line with the constitutional mandate outlined in Article 244, which calls for a professional, disciplined, and accountable police service.
Kanja outlined key priorities, including enhanced training, mental health support, and tackling corruption within the force.
To further improve service delivery, Kanja announced partnerships with the Kenya School of Government and Huduma Centers to train officers in customer service, aiming to build stronger relationships between the police and the public.
