Kenya to replace 2,232 police vehicles in three months

Kenya plans to replace 2,232 police vehicles over the next three months, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced on Friday, September 18. The government claims to have already renewed 1,175 vehicles in the past year and is also expecting 1,200 electric vehicles by the end of 2026.

The announcement was made in Nairobi during the graduation ceremony for the 50th cohort of recruits from the General Service Unit. Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted mobility as one of the main obstacles to the speed of interventions, patrols, and access to difficult areas.

The deployment of the 1,200 electric vehicles was previously announced at the end of August. The Government Advertising Agency, a Kenyan public body, indicated at that time that the procurement process was underway and that the government aimed to have the vehicles available at police stations before the end of the year.

The renewal program is accompanied by an enhancement of operational resources. The Interior Ministry states that 1,277 police stations and 408 sub-county offices now have increased spending authorizations for fuel, vehicle maintenance, supplies, and security operations.

Authorities have also deployed advanced mobile response and protection systems, drones, protective equipment, and other specialized materials. The government presents these acquisitions as part of the modernization program for the National Police Service.

Murkomen also announced that 4,473 police officers who had been stalled in their ranks have been promoted, and that 700 additional reservists are undergoing training in Meru County. Their graduation is scheduled for next week.