President William Ruto says the government has invested KSh21 billion out of the KSh30 billion earmarked for the Police Modernisation Programme, as Kenya continues to upgrade equipment, technology and operational capabilities within the National Police Service.
Speaking during the 50th General Service Unit recruits’ Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘B’ Campus in Nairobi on Friday, Ruto said the investment is intended to equip officers with modern tools and capabilities to improve policing and security operations.
“We are investing in protective equipment, mobility, air support, secure communications, surveillance, command-and-control systems, and digital capabilities,” Ruto said.
He said the modernisation programme also includes specialised training in counter-terrorism, intelligence-led operations, public order management, forensic investigations, cybercrime, emergency response and the lawful use of force.
The President also outlined measures targeting the welfare of police officers, including housing and healthcare.
Ruto said the government is developing 28,000 housing units for police officers and their families through the Institutional Housing component of the Affordable Housing Programme. He said 870 units have been completed, about 12,000 are under construction, more than 1,500 are under procurement, while a further 15,000 units are planned.
On healthcare, Ruto said more than 138,000 police and prison officers and their eligible dependants have been enrolled under Usalama Cover through the Social Health Authority.
According to the President, the scheme has expanded the number of healthcare facilities accessible to officers from 973 under the previous private insurance arrangement to more than 8,000 facilities across all 47 counties.
Ruto also commissioned a newly constructed SHA block at the GSU Health Centre within the college, which is expected to provide healthcare services to officers and their families.
The President said investments in police welfare should ensure officers have better working and living conditions as they carry out their duties.
“This is what standing with our officers mean: Ensuring that every man and woman entrusted with protecting our nation can return from duty to a decent home and raise a family in dignity,” he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said ongoing security reforms were beginning to show results, citing improved security in areas previously affected by banditry and cattle rustling.
He pointed to the Kerio Valley, where he said security operations had helped restore normalcy in areas previously affected by insecurity.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja also welcomed the modernisation programme, saying the investments had strengthened the operational capacity of the police service.
The modernisation programme comes alongside other recent measures targeting police welfare. Earlier this month, Ruto said a three-phase review of police remuneration had been completed, with the basic salary of entry-level police constables raised from KSh21,645 to KSh29,360.
With Kenya heading into the 2027 General Election period, Ruto also directed the National Police Service to maintain professionalism and impartiality while enforcing the law.
He cautioned officers against being drawn into partisan political contests or acting on unlawful instructions from political leaders.
“Political competition will intensify, parties will organise, candidates will campaign, and citizens will assemble. The duty of the police is to secure this democratic space impartially,” Ruto said.
He further urged officers to protect peaceful assembly while acting lawfully against violence, intimidation and destruction of property.
The President said the government would continue supporting officers who carry out their constitutional duties professionally and within the law.
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