Recruitment of Police to Boost NPS Strength -CS Murkomen

The upcoming recruitment of 10,000 police officers is expected to bolster the strength of the National Police Service (NPS), currently understaffed.

Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed next month’s exercise, advertised by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), saying it will boost the service's strength.

"This is the first recruitment under this administration and since 2021. We are going to enhance our strength in the next nine months when the recruits will have left the training," stated the CS.

Speaking to the media after a security meeting in Nyamira during his Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots security engagement, the CS noted that the new recruits will fill the gap, which has been a big challenge in the police stations and a major concern in all the 43 counties visited.

“Similarly, as witnessed in all the five Nyanza counties visited and Western regions, the SGBV cases continue to be a matter of national concern,” said the CS. 

The CS said femicide is a serious issue that must be addressed urgently.

"The President established a taskforce to work on this issue and there is an ongoing crackdown and implementation of issues of GBV," the CS stated.

He stressed, "It's a conversation we must have as to why this issue is more prevalent in other areas than others. Is it the cultural practices that are perpetuating these crimes?"

He called on stakeholders to dialogue on what can be done to get rid of this heinous act especially GBV targeting women, including FGM and defilement of kids.

He regretted to note that men are also victims but their cases are unreported because of cultural beliefs.

"We must deal with these stereotypes that are engraved that victims are not strong enough to come out and speak,” he urged.

He added, "Some of the cases are as a result of mental health, use of drugs and alcohol. As we crack down on drugs and alcohol, we are also dealing with what is driving spouses to kill each other. The rampant cases of men killing their girlfriends are unacceptable and we must do everything to stop it. 

The CS also directed an operation targeting the peddlers and consumers of illicit alcohol and drugs.

In particular, the CS disclosed that there is a notorious supplier in Nyamira County under the radar of the police who will soon be apprehended. 

He also attributed many murders witnessed in the region to competition for land, and cultural practices denying women inheritance.