US Launches Sh930 Million Initiative to Modernise Kenya Police Training
The United States has launched a Sh930 million ($7 million) initiative to support Kenya's efforts to modernise police training and strengthen the professionalism and effectiveness of the National Police Service. The initiative was unveiled on Friday at the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, according to reports from AllAfrica and the-star.co.ke.
The US Embassy in Kenya said the programme will support Kenya's efforts to build a modern, professional and effective police service. "We believe well-trained officers can best protect and serve their fellow citizens. Safety is vital for Kenyan and American businesses operating here," the embassy said in a statement. The embassy also highlighted that well-trained officers are essential to protecting citizens and creating a secure environment for businesses, linking effective policing to a safe and prosperous economic environment.
The initiative includes the construction of new facilities and the refurbishment of infrastructure at the college, as well as the building of chief physical training instructor grounds. The project is supported by the US government in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), according to the-star.co.ke.
The launch coincided with the graduation or commissioning of a new cohort of police officers. More than 6,000 officers graduated on Friday in a ceremony presided over by President William Ruto. The US Embassy congratulated the newest officers, saying, "This is why we are proud to launch a $7 million (Sh930 million) initiative today at the Police Training College in Kiganjo to support Kenya's pursuit of a modern, professional, and effective police service."
Police Reforms Announced
During the graduation ceremony, President Ruto outlined several reforms aimed at improving the welfare of police officers. He announced the completion of a three-phase review of police remuneration, with the entry-level basic pay for a police constable rising from Sh21,645 to Sh29,360. Salaries across other ranks have also been adjusted upwards, according to the-star.co.ke.
Ruto also addressed the long-standing shortage of police housing, saying the government is implementing the National Institutional Housing Programme, which comprises 47,464 housing units across 165 projects. More than 2,000 units have been completed, while over 9,500 are at various stages of construction.
The president described the new training grounds as a major investment in modernising police training and preparing officers for the demands of modern policing, according to the-star.co.ke.
Political Violence Warning
In his address, Ruto issued a stern warning against politically sponsored violence. "Our democracy must never be hijacked by hired gangs, intimidation, ethnic mobilisation or violence," he said. "The police must take firm, lawful and impartial action against individuals who finance, organise, incite or perpetrate political violence."
US-Kenya Security Partnership
The latest initiative builds on a history of US support for Kenya's security sector through training, equipment and institutional capacity-building programmes, particularly in areas including counterterrorism, law enforcement and professional development, as reported by AllAfrica. The embassy said the partnership reflects Washington's broader commitment to a secure Kenya, where citizens and businesses can operate safely. "Congratulations to the newest officers! We remain committed to a safe and prosperous Kenya," the embassy said.