More helicopters for police to improve emergency response: Nkaisserry
A Police helicopter. FILE PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA
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Mr Nkaisserry said that in 2013, Kenya had four troop carriers but that only one was operational. The other three were taken for repairs last year.
The country last month received 30 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and body armour to improve officers’ protection in volatile areas.
The Kenya Police’s troop carrier fleet is set to be expanded from one to six following repairs and purchase of new helicopters in what is expected to improve emergency response time.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaisserry, who was giving parliamentarians a brief on the ministry’s achievements, said that three choppers are expected to be delivered by mid-April.
Kenya remains vulnerable to attacks by terrorists while cases of insecurity like cattle rustling still abound, making swift deployment of police officers necessary.
Mr Nkaisserry said that in 2013, Kenya had four troop carriers but that only one was operational. The other three were taken for repairs last year.
“In 2015, the NPS (National Police Service) procured two new helicopters and refurbished the three that were unserviceable. One of the two new ones will be delivered this week while two undergoing refurbishment will arrive by mid next month,” Mr Nkaisserry said Tuesday.
“This will improve air mobility and considerably reduce response time during emergencies.”
The two refurbished choppers are the Russian-made Mi-17 which have a crew of three and can carry as many as 30 troops.
The air wing additions correspond to purchase of improvement for ground police officers.
The country last month received 30 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and body armour to improve officers’ protection in volatile areas.
