Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Government spokesman Charles Owino and DIG
Eliud Lagat in Eldoret /MATHEWS NDANYIDeputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat says the National Police Service will accelerate ongoing reforms to improve officers’ welfare and enhance security delivery across the country.
Lagat said deliberate efforts were underway to improve officers’ working conditions and provide them with the facilities needed to serve Kenyans more effectively.
He said police stations were also being renovated and rebranded, with improved facilities to enhance working conditions.
“We have already made major achievements, but we will accelerate the reforms so that the NPS serves the country more effectively,” Lagat said.
He spoke at the Eldoret National Polytechnic during a discussion on security, one of the thematic areas for next week’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret. The other two themes are sports and finance.
Lagat acknowledged that corruption remained one of the challenges facing the service, saying the NPS was working to address it.
“We are working hard to ensure we have a police service that will effectively deliver on its mandate, especially security for Kenyans,” he said.
He attributed progress in the reforms partly to support from President William Ruto’s administration, saying the government was providing resources and facilities to improve service delivery.
Lagat recently toured the North Rift to assess the security situation.
During a visit to Eldoret central police station, he raised concerns about drug abuse and illicit alcohol in the region, warning that police would intensify operations against those involved in the illegal trade.
He said the substances posed a threat to residents, particularly young people, in counties including Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet.
Lagat called for coordinated action involving the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), faith-based organisations and security agencies to tackle the problem.
“This is a challenge we really have to work together as security agencies to deal with. Let those engaging in the business of drugs and illicit alcohol quit and do something better,” he said.
