Lenku vows to harmonise police airwings

Kenya: Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku wants operations of airwings of the Kenya Police and Administration Police integrated. Lenku said the Government is revamping the police airwing to enable it to respond to various emergencies effectively.

“The integrated airwing will have an approved maintenance section to enable officers to respond to search and rescue missions, casualty evacuation, air patrols and aerial reconnaissance,” said Lenku.

He said the current scenario where Administration Police and their regular police counterparts run independent airwings is costly.

The minister spoke during a workshop convened for stakeholders to deliberate on reforming the national police airwing.

Some Sh6.7 billion will be used for leasing and financing of police motor vehicles and aircraft in the next financial year. The police airwing is almost grounded as it now has only one operating chopper.

“We recognise the important role played by the unit especially in aerial patrols,” he said.