President William Ruto inspects a guard of honour during the GSU passing-out parade at the National Police College Embakasi ‘B’ Campus on Friday, September 18, 2026. /PCSPresident William Ruto has appreciated newly trained General Service Unit officers for the sacrifice they have made to keep Kenya safe by confronting some of the country’s most dangerous security situations.
Speaking during the GSU passing-out parade at the National Police College Embakasi ‘B’ Campus on Friday, Ruto said the nature of their work requires officers to sometimes place their own lives in harm’s way during security emergencies such as terrorism, banditry, armed crime and violent disorder.
“You stand in defence of the Republic, and the Republic stands with you,” the President said, adding that the officers are expected to go where danger is greatest and remain steady where others may retreat.
He said the demanding nature of the work also extends beyond the officers themselves, with their families having to cope with prolonged absences, disrupted plans and anxiety whenever their loved ones are deployed.
“You will endure long absences, changed plans and anxious hours while those you love are deployed. The Republic recognises that burden, and we do not take it for granted.”
The President said the GSU has a distinctive role within the National Police Service, including confronting terrorism and banditry, reinforcing other police formations during emergencies, protecting vital installations and strategic national assets, undertaking high-risk protection and escort duties, and guarding the Presidency and designated State facilities.
Such assignments, he said, are not routine because they arise in situations where threats are grave, the margin for error is small and the consequences can extend well beyond the immediate incident.
The risks can also leave lasting consequences for officers.
“Some return injured, some carry wounds that cannot be seen, and some do not return at all.”
Ruto said the country therefore has a responsibility to support officers who are injured and families whose relatives die in the line of duty, arguing that appreciation of police service must go beyond words.
“To the families of the fallen, whether their loved ones were serving here at home, in Haiti or elsewhere, we owe more than condolences. We owe honour, practical assistance, and the assurance that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
He also highlighted the often-unseen nature of police work, saying successful interventions frequently receive little public attention.
“Every terrorist plot disrupted, every hostage rescued, every criminal apprehended, every community protected and every peaceful night in which millions of Kenyan families sleep safely bears witness to work that may never make the news.”
Ruto said the government must match the demands it places on police officers with better welfare, equipment, training and support for their families.
He said his administration had implemented a three-phase review of police remuneration, resulting in a 36 per cent increase in entry-level basic pay and bringing the cumulative monthly remuneration of an entry-level police constable to approximately Sh49,000 when allowances are included.
On housing, Ruto said 137 projects comprising more than 28,000 units for police officers are in the pipeline.
He said 870 units have been completed, about 12,000 are under construction, more than 1,500 are under procurement and a further 15,000 are planned.
The developments include projects at GSU headquarters in Ruaraka, the Presidential Escort Unit at Ruiru Camp and the GSU Training School in Embakasi.
Healthcare is another area the President said the government is addressing.
He said more than 138,000 police and prison officers and their eligible dependants have been enrolled under Usalama Cover through the Social Health Authority.
He also said the government is investing in police modernisation, with a Sh30 billion programme covering protective equipment, mobility, air support, secure communications, surveillance, command-and-control systems and digital capabilities.
Training, he added, is being strengthened in counter-terrorism, intelligence-led operations, public order management, forensics, cybercrime, emergency response and the lawful use of force.
As the officers begin their careers, Ruto urged them to balance courage with restraint and adherence to the law.
“Be brave enough to confront danger. Be disciplined enough to obey the law. Be wise enough to use no more force than is necessary.”
He said officers must also earn public trust through their conduct, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, when political activity and public gatherings are expected to intensify.
“Go wherever the Republic sends you. Stand firm when danger rises. Remain calm when pressure mounts. Serve without fear, favour, or prejudice.”
