Lagat tells new GSU officers to stay ready for any deployment

By Shadrack Mutai – Nairobi, Kenya

 

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has urged 1,273 newly trained General Service Unit (GSU) officers to remain disciplined and prepared to serve in any part of the country.

 

Lagat spoke at the National Police College–Magadi Field Campus in Kajiado County during the closure of the officers’ nine-month training programme.

 

He said the tough conditions at the Magadi camp were deliberately incorporated into the training to prepare the officers for the realities they may encounter in the field.

 

The officers underwent training in physical endurance, survival skills, teamwork, discipline and the use of technology in policing.

 

Lagat challenged the recruits to uphold professionalism, respect civilians and remain prepared to respond to changing security situations once deployed.

 

He said the additional personnel would strengthen police operations against banditry, criminal activities and emerging security threats.

 

On security operations in the Kerio Valley, Lagat said agencies had recorded an estimated 80 per cent success in efforts to contain banditry.

 

The new officers are also expected to support national security operations during the October-December rainy season and as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

 

Lagat said adequate police personnel would be deployed to 18 counties identified as potential hotspots during the anticipated El Niño rains.

 

The Magadi training camp has been used to prepare police officers for field operations since 1981.
The officers are scheduled to pass out on September 18 before being deployed to different parts of the country.