Kakamega, Kenya: The National Police Service Commission and Kakamega County Government have signed an agreement to enhance security enforcement in the county.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed between Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and NPSC chairman Johnston Kavuludi will see the county government spend over Sh100 million on boosting police infrastructure.
This comes at a time when the county is faced with numerous insecurity incidents which have caused residents to take law into their hands lynching any suspect of robbery.
Speaking yesterday at the county headquarters after signing the MoU and unveiling five police patrol vehicles, Oparanya assured the Kavuludi led commission that his administration is committed towards the security of its residents and creating good working environment for security officers.
"The county government will spend over Sh100 million to construct housing units for police, construction of police stations and police posts and provision of patrol vehicles for officers in this county," said Oparanya.
Oparanya noted that the constitution allows for the county government to collaborate with NPSC and the national government to support security operations at the county level.
"Section 189 (2) provides for the collaboration of the county government and the police service in provision of some functions. We rely on this section to offer our support so that we can enhance security in the county," said Oparanya.
He admitted that security is vital for development and since the national government is overstretched in its expenditure, there is need for county governments to step in to offer assistance.
"We spent Sh22.4 million to purchase the patrol vehicles, we will ensure we use the Sh100 million approved by the county assembly effectively to secure our people," he said.
Kavuludi asked security officers to be vigilant in their work to boost security and use the patrol vehicles for their intended purposes to ensure the county is secure.
He lauded the move by the county government to construct over 50 housing units for police officers saying it will boost their morale and also enhance their services.
"The renovation of police station, construction of new police posts and provision of security vehicles sponsored by the county government will lead to effective service delivery and curb insecurity. Our officers will work in a good working environment," said Kavuludi.
He asked police officers to use the county government good will to ensure they adhere and observe security of residents.
"We are satisfied that our work will be enhanced, security officers will now be more productive and residents will feel the presence of police officers in the county," he said.
Meanwhile, Kavuludi said the commission will start its vetting exercise for senior police officers in the region from Saturday for the next five days.
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He said the exercise is meant to determine officers who are suitable according to the law.
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