New GSU officers prepared for technology-driven policing, says DIG Lagat

Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat said the officers had undergone rigorous training to prepare them for the demands of an evolving policing landscape.

Lagat spoke on Friday during the passing-out parade for GSU Officers, Detail No. 1 of 2025, at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘B’ Campus, as the specialised unit marked its 50th anniversary.

“As we mark this Golden Jubilee, we welcome a new generation of highly trained and specialised elite officers into the Service,” Lagat said.

He said the officers had been tested in discipline, endurance, leadership and operational skills, equipping them to undertake the responsibilities of police service.

“Technology is reshaping both crime and how we respond to it. These officers are prepared for the challenge,” he said.

Lagat said the graduation would strengthen the operational capacity of the National Police Service while contributing to efforts to improve the police-to-citizen ratio.

Inspector-General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja said the graduation of the final cohort would further expand the Service’s operational capacity and improve the police-to-population ratio.

Kanja said the Service was also restructuring and realigning the mandates of its core formations while establishing new units, including the Metropolitan Police Unit, National Government Administration Police Unit and Quick Response Unit.

“These structural adjustments are designed to modernize service delivery, improve on proactive policing, and tackle prevailing security threats effectively,” Kanja said.

He said the reforms would strengthen the Service’s ability to respond to emerging security threats as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

Kanja also cited Government investments in police housing, comprehensive medical cover and the motor vehicle leasing programme as measures that had strengthened officers’ working conditions and operational capacity. He said additional vehicles were expected to further improve mobility and response times.

The new officers join the GSU, a specialised formation within the National Police Service tasked with confronting terrorism and banditry, reinforcing other police formations during emergencies, securing vital installations and strategic national assets, undertaking high-risk protection and escort duties, and protecting the Presidency and designated State facilities.

President William Samoei Ruto, who presided over the passing-out parade, congratulated the graduands for completing the demanding training and earning the responsibility of serving in the red beret.

He commended the GSU command, instructors and support staff for preparing the officers for assignments in which hesitation can cost lives, poor judgement can deepen danger and discipline can determine the outcome of a mission.

Ruto also emphasised the importance of professionalism and public trust in policing, saying citizens’ confidence in the police enables them to report crime, share intelligence, support investigations and help prevent threats before they materialise.

“When citizens trust the police, they report crime, share intelligence, assist investigations and help prevent threats before they materialise,” he said.

The President said the Government would support officers who perform their duties lawfully, professionally and courageously while safeguarding the integrity of the police institution.

Lagat urged the new officers to carry the lessons acquired at the National Police College into every assignment, saying the passing-out parade marked the beginning of their professional journey.