The National Police Service (NPS) has trained 40 police reservists to be deployed at volatile counties where they were withdrawn a month ago to beef up security.
Inspector General (IG) of police Hillary Mutyambai said the withdrawal which came amidst claims that some of them were involved in criminal activities did not signify a closure of the programme.
The training, he said was necessary to equip them with the necessary skills to deal with emerging security challenges.
“We have partnered with local leadership to form a trained integrated single NPR Unit,” he disclosed.
Mutyambai said the 40 reservists were among the first lot to be trained, adding that more shall undergo the same training to ensure that they offer quality services.
He disclosed that over 600 guns and 100, 000 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the NPR’s in the disarmament exercise adding that their training which is currently being piloted shall be up scaled to cover all the areas where they operate.
The National Police Service (NPS), he said was undergoing various reforms to enhance effective service delivery.
Mutyambai revealed that the NPS will soon roll out Ward police stations to operate under single command structures to enhance security across the country.
He added that the reforms in traffic police department were not targeted at individuals but meant for restoration of sanity of the roads.
“We are not withdrawing traffic police officers or road blocks. What we want is for the roadblocks to have a meaning and objective,” he said.
Speaking in Kisumu on Monday where he held a meeting with security chiefs and commanders from the area, the IG lauded improved security in the area that borders Kenya and Tanzania.
The officers, he said had done a commendable job in keeping the region safe calling for partnerships with the media and members of the public to enhance security.
By Owiti Cynthia and Chris Mahandara
