Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has introduced a modernized fleet of armored vehicles designated for security operations across Meru and nine other counties.
In an announcement dated Wednesday, March 20, the CS highlighted the government’s investment of Ksh7 billion in enhancing police equipment, notably acquiring Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs) among other machinery.
These MRAPs provide advanced protection to security personnel during ambushes and are specifically designed to shield officers from firearm or Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks.
The CS specified that the newly procured equipment will be allocated to officers deployed in conflict-affected regions of Meru and Isiolo.
Additionally, some of these vehicles will be deployed near Boni Forest, where the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are conducting operations to combat terrorism.
“In ensuring the effective equipment and outfitting of frontline officers presently stationed in Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the North Eastern Region, the Boni Enclave, Upper Eastern Region, and North Rift Valley, remains a pivotal priority for the Kenya Kwanza Administration.
“I am pleased this afternoon to inaugurate and dispatch the initial batch of equipment to support Operation Maliza Uhalifu in North Rift Valley, which will be expanded to encompass The Northern Grazing Area of Meru County, Isiolo, and Marsabit Counties, alongside counter-terrorism initiatives in the North Eastern Region and the Boni Enclave in Lamu County,” stated the announcement.
Concurrently, the government is slated to allocate Ksh20 billion towards acquiring more advanced weaponry over the next three years to combat criminal activities.
This includes plans to procure Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), armored drones, mine sweepers, and gunship helicopters.
“The Government’s unwavering focus remains on eradicating terrorism, banditry, livestock rustling, and other forms of organized criminal activities, which are integral to bolstering our National Security and propelling Kenya towards equitable development and shared prosperity,” emphasized the CS.
