Motion on training Kenya Police Reservists passed

By MOSES NJAGIH

KENYA: Senate wants the government to put in place a structured system for employment of Kenya Police Reservists (KPR).

The Senate Wednesday passed a motion moved by West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo that also compels the government to offer formal training to reservists, remunerate them and compensate them for loss in the line of duty.

Lonyangapuo said the police reservists, who are mainly informally engaged to help fight crime in arid areas, need to be engaged in a structured framework and their role expanded to include intelligence gathering and training in anti-poaching and anti-terrorism techniques.

“KPR have a good working relationship with the common mwananchi at grassroots level, and their involvement in the fight against these vices would improve efficiency in fighting crime,” said Lonyangapuo.

The senators unanimously supported the motion, arguing that with proper training and remuneration, the police reservists would assist the police to fight crime.

Lanyangapuo said that most police reservists lead a deplorable life even after volunteering to offer security to their communities.

Nominated Senator Naisula Lesuuda supported the motion, saying that the reservists are the only source of protection, especially in marginalised areas.

But Busia Senator Amos Wako said that thorough vetting should be done when engaging the reservists.