Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday commissioned 10 more protective vehicles for police to enhance their operations in the crime-prone areas of North Rift and Northern Kenya.
Murkomen said the commissioning of the new Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles (MRAP) is the latest in an ongoing programme to modernise police equipment.
He said since police started to use the vehicles and the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) they have reduced banditry by 70 per cent.
“We have reduced the problem of banditry by 70 per cent partially because of this investment in protective equipment. We are investing in resources for training to upscale their skills,” Murkomen said.
He said there will be continuous training of police officers to be in tandem with the world.
“We will also improve the welfare of the officers. We will increase their monies. I assure you that the government will avail more resources to cover their insurance,” he added.
He was reacting to reports the police are facing challenges in using their insurance covers.
He said he had talked to the affected insurance firms to allow the personnel to continue using their covers ahead of planned increases in funding.
He made the remarks when he commissioned the vehicles at the General Service Unit (GSU) headquarters in Nairobi.
Present was his Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and his deputies Gilbert Masengeli and Eliud Lagat and DCI Mohamed Amin.
Murkomen asked the service to maintain discipline higher and address cases of indiscipline that are being reported.
He said reforms will continue to ensure the service is a disciplined and modern team.
The CS told the service to also focus on mental health to address the menace.
“We are going to identify and treat the officers facing the challenges of mental health. Let those nearing retirement be posted near their homes for proper management,” he said.
He said the acquired vehicles have spares to ensure they continue to operate in any part of the country.
Omollo said they will continue to invest in police welfare and equipment for the safety of the country.
Kanja said the vehicles had saved police officers’ lives. “Guns are being silenced because of these vehicles and officers’ dedication,” he said.
Murkomen also affirmed the government’s commitment to secure the country from internal and external aggression through the modernisation of police equipment.
Modernisation programme
In March 2024, then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki flagged off 10 other APCS at the Port of Mombasa to bolster operations in the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to tackle terrorism, banditry and organised crimes.
Kindiki said the government is on course to implement a five-year police equipment modernization program that began last year. It will cost a whooping Sh37 billion.
Already, Sh7 billion has been used to purchase equipment.
“We have also received under one year other forms of equipment other than the motor vehicles including arms and ammunition,” he added.
The government is expecting to receive personal protective equipment, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) which are armored, and do not require personnel, they can do surveillance and also attack when a command has been given remotely.
Over the past months, the government has allocated Sh7.6 billion and plans to invest an additional Sh29.4 billion over the next three years in the Police Equipment Modernisation (PEM) programme.
This initiative aims to provide the police with modern equipment and mobility solutions such as APCs, MRAPs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), drones, attack helicopters, mine sweepers, and personal protective equipment, focusing on the safety of frontline officers.
About the new protective vehicles
Historically, the police have accumulated a diverse fleet of armored vehicles.
This purchase is a key part of Kenya's broader strategy to improve its defensive posture against terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.
The Springbuck vehicles acquired are distinguished by their robust construction and superior protection capabilities, providing essential security for personnel engaged in combat.
The Springbuck is a South African armored personnel carrier.
Equipped with a 6-cylinder MWM 6.12 TCA turbo diesel intercooled engine, capable of producing 286 horsepower and 782 lb-ft of torque.
Its 5-speed automatic transmission Allison 3000SP and two-speed transfer case for high and low ranges enhance its ability to maneuver in various conditions.
It has an acceleration from 0 to 48 km/h in 15 seconds and the capability to climb maximum slopes of 35 degrees.
Its ability to tackle side slopes up to 22 degrees and a range of 600 kilometers allows it to navigate long distances without frequent refueling.
The Springbuck can operate in temperatures ranging from -8°C to 50°C, ensuring its reliability in extreme environments.
The design of the Springbuck places particular emphasis on crew protection, the manufacturer's website says.
It can be equipped with additional armor to achieve a ballistic protection level up to STANAG level 3.
Its V-shaped hull protects against explosions, while various fire protection options are available to further secure the cabin and engine compartment.
The vehicle also offers a weapons platform, which can be equipped with remote or manual weapon stations.
The Springbuck's payload capacity is 2,000 kilograms with a total gross vehicle weight of 13,500 kilos.
It is equipped with 14.00R20 wheels with steel rims and standard run-flat inserts, ensuring its mobility even in the most difficult conditions.
Its pneumatic dual-circuit braking systems, with disc brakes on all wheels and ABS, ensure increased safety during movement.
The robust suspension of the Springbuck, consisting of semi-elliptical leaf springs and telescopic double-acting shock absorbers, gives it great stability and load capacity.
The interior configuration options offer standard seating for 11 people, including the driver and commander, plus secure storage spaces for equipment.
Cabin access is possible via two side doors, one rear door, and one roof hatch, depending on the configuration.
