Uhuru backs technology to combat security threats

President Uhuru Kenyatta commissions the newly constructed Staff Housing units at the Border Police Unit (BPU) in Kitui County. [Phillip Muasya, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday said his government is adopting new technology to confront emerging security threats.

Speaking at the Rural Border Patrol Unit and Training College at Kanyonyoo in Kitui County, the president singled out terrorism, smuggling and human trafficking as some of the key security challenges threatening peace. He was accompanied by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai.

The president said his administration would invest heavily in modern equipment for security forces to enable them to combat these challenges.

“We are going to roll out greater collaborative approaches and use of technology in police duties to secure our borders and the nation,” he said.

He noted that the Rural Border Patrol Unit will be among pioneers of these innovative approaches that the government intends to roll out across the country.

He also said his administration would scale up procurement of additional equipment for the police such as body armours, vehicles and weapons.

Noting that reforms in the security sector will not be achieved by only investing in hi-tech equipment, the president said there was a need to improve the welfare of security officers.

This includes improving their working conditions, enhancing the medical cover for security officers and their families, housing as well as improving their salaries and allowances.

“We are committed to improving your terms of service ...ranging from accommodation, salaries and allowances and healthcare. Hiyo yote tutafanya (we shall do all that),” the president said to the applause of the senior and junior police officers in attendance. 

In the event also attended by Governor Charity Ngilu, the President commissioned new lecture rooms and barracks, 60 staff housing units and a communication centre.