- The NPS function is to assist the regular Kenya Police in the maintenance of law and order.
- They exist mainly in the arid and semi-arid rural areas of Kenya.
At least 1,372 National Police Reservists have been recruited and deployed in the North Rift region since the Kenya Kwanza government came into office, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said. https://rb.gy/r6x6x
Image: MINA
At least 1,372 National Police Reservists have been recruited and deployed in the North Rift region since the Kenya Kwanza government came into office, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said.
They have been deployed in six counties; Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana and Laikipia.
The NPS function is to assist the regular Kenya Police in the maintenance of law and order and they exist mainly in the arid and semi-arid rural areas of Kenya.
Giving details, Kindiki on Wednesday said the process to recruit NPS in Marsabit county was delayed due to migrants of non-resident to the county.
"In Marsabit County, the recruitment of the NPRs was delayed due to the migration of non-residents into the county, in search of pastures and water for their livelihood," he said on Wednesday.
However, Kindiki assured that plans are currently underway to commence the recruitment process.
Looking at the six counties, data from the Ministry of Interior shows that 460 NPRs have been recruited, trained and deployed in Samburu, since November 2022 to date.
"The last lot of 150 NPRs for Samburu were recently recruited and vetted and will be trained before being deployed," Kindiki said.
In Baringo County,200 NPRs have been recruited and deployed accordingly.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, data shows that 153 NPRs have been recruited and will be trained and subsequently deployed.
The government has also recruited, trained, kitted and deployed 419 NPRs in Laikipia County.
Data also shows that In West Pokot County, 205 NPRs have been vetted and they will be undertaking the one-month paramilitary training, to be equipped with basic security knowledge, weapon training and aspects of law.
In Turkana County, 140 NPRs have been recruited and trained, while another 500 are pending vetting.
CS Kindiki who had appeared before the Senate was giving a response to Senator Mohamed Said Chute who had requested to be informed on the reasons for the delay in the recruitment of NPRs in Marsabit and the wider Northern Frontier counties and the plans in place to ensure prompt recruitment and deployment.
The CS had earlier announced that NPRs were to start accessing the NHIF cover from July 1, 2023
Kindiki said the cover will extend to their family members.
Also, the design for the National Police Reservists uniform is almost complete.
Kindiki said the government will kit all NPR officers including footwear to enable the officers to execute their duties.