The government has unveiled a new fleet of state-of-the-art armored vehicles for the National Police Service (NPS) in a bid to enhance security operations and protect officers.
The commissioning ceremony, presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen, marked a significant step in modernizing the country’s security forces. The newly acquired Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) are expected to improve officers’ mobility, safety, and operational efficiency, particularly in high-risk areas.
Speaking at General Service Unit (GSU) headquarters in Nairobi, CS Murkomen emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping law enforcement with advanced resources. He assured that mechanisms for maintaining the new fleet, including availability of spare parts and training for mechanics, were already in place.
“We have a plan to ensure that none of these machines, which we have acquired for protecting citizens, will be grounded,” Murkomen said. He added that in the upcoming supplementary budget, the government would allocate sufficient funds to ensure officers’ insurance coverage and sustain the security modernization program.
Murkomen further highlighted that beyond acquiring vehicles, the government is investing in advanced technology, including drones and air surveillance equipment, to enhance security across the country.
“This is just the second year, and we will continue with this program annually until we ensure our officers have proper equipment to secure the nation,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo acknowledged that the investment was long overdue, noting that the security sector had suffered from years of underfunding.
“For over a decade, there had not been significant investment in this sector,” Omollo stated. “This program is part of broader security sector reforms to strengthen the capacity of our officers and ensure they can effectively discharge their duties.”
He emphasized that beyond procurement, the government was prioritizing maintenance and continuous engagement to ensure the new equipment remains operational and adapted to evolving security challenges.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also lauded the initiative, stating that the armored vehicles had already improved security operations in previously volatile areas such as Meru, North Rift, and North Eastern Kenya.
“Before these vehicles came, we faced serious challenges in these regions. But now, the tanks are silent—not because we decided to be silent, but because of the effectiveness of these vehicles and well-trained officers,” the IG said.
The investment in armored vehicles forms part of the government’s broader plan to modernize the National Police Service, enhance national security, and safeguard citizens against emerging threats.