- GSU officers totalling 200 are undertaking their training at the National Police Service, Embakasi ‘A’ Training College while those from the AP and Anti-stock theft are at Embakasi ‘B’ College.
- They will also train with the officers from the Recce Unit at the Ruiru training base.
The third batch of Kenyan police officers that is set to leave for Haiti to join the team on the ground has embarked on their training.
The officers drawn from the three units of the General Service Unit (GSU), Administration Police and Anti-stock Theft Units began the training two weeks ago.
GSU officers totaling 200 are conducting their training at the National Police Service, Embakasi ‘A’ Training College while those from the AP and Anti-stock theft of about 400 are at Embakasi ‘B’ College.
They are all part of the officers who qualified during the selection process conducted in November last year.
For the GSU, each platoon was to nominate two police constables and a corporal within the age bracket of 20 to 55 years and a minimum of five years in service.
They were also required to have a good proficiency in English and ability to safely handle firearms and proven shooting skills.
Apart from this, the officers needed to be mentally, physically and medically fit and capable of demonstrating clear command and control.
Drivers, mechanics, signallers, chaplains, counsellors and drone operators are also included under the specialist category.
President William Ruto flagged off the first group of 400 officers on June 24, this year.
The second team went on July 16. Kenya is set to send a total of 1,000 officers.
The entire training process, according to a senior officer who is not authorised to speak to the press will last for about 18 weeks.
This means that the earliest they can leave for Haiti is December or early next year.
At the college, the course mainly involves physical activities and learning matters international relations.
“From there, they will proceed to Magadi Field Training Camp for a four to six weeks for weapon handling, shooting practice and marksmanship,” the officer said.
The officers will then return to Nairobi where they will get an opportunity to train with the officers from the Recce Unit at the Ruiru training base on among others close-quarter combat (CQB), reconnaissance and surveillance.
Officers who are currently in Haiti have been captured conducting similar trainings.
CQB is designed to maximize the effectiveness of combat in confined spaces and ensure the safety of the operatives.
Its main principles include surprise, speed, and controlled violent action, each playing a critical role in the success of the operations.
Upon completion, they will return to the Embakasi Training College for the final preparation for the processing of the travel documents.
The officers will also be given a week’s off-duty ahead of departure.