The National Police Service (NPS) has received 81 locally assembled land cruisers from Toyota Kenya as part of a continued leasing agreement to enhance security and service delivery.
The batch is part of 592 vehicles to be given to the NPS over the next few weeks in the fifth phase of the leasing programme.
Toyota Kenya Managing Director, Arvinder Reel, said the vehicles are locally assembled, durable and reliable and can easily tackle the most difficult terrains.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Kenya Motor Vehicle Assembly Plant in Thika, the MD said the hand over is timely, as the world is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the land cruiser models adding that they look to further cement the partnership with the NPS under the vehicle leasing programme.
To support local talents, they are working closely with 19 Technical and Vocational Education Training centres (TVETs) across the country by transferring technology and donating equipment. They are also offering internship opportunities to students at tertiary institutions as well as Jua Kali artisans and creating direct and indirect jobs in Kenya.
“Through more partnerships, we will be able to grow the local assembly. We shall also be able to create more jobs as well as be in a position to introduce new models in the next few months,” he said.
He added, they have over 2,500 vehicles under the leasing programme that started in 2013. The vehicles are backed by a fully-fledged fleet management system and advanced driver training.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Patrick Ndunda, said the new vehicles will enhance service delivery and security in the country.
He lauded Toyota Kenya saying since the inception of the leasing programme, they have not experienced any serious issue with the vehicles even in the remotest areas.
The fourth phase of the leasing programme was in 2018, and 800 new vehicles were dispatched to NPS.
Leasing allows a client to use a vehicle for a fixed period of time, for a fee as the dealer takes care of maintenance.
By Muoki Charles
