The General Service Unit (GSU) has urged the National Assembly to establish a specialised tactical unit and provide funding for modern equipment, including drones, ahead of the 2027 General Elections in Kenya. This call was made during an oversight visit to a police facility in Magadi, Kajiado County, where senior GSU officers presented their operational needs to the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. The proposed unit aims to improve response to emergencies beyond the capacity of regular officers.
GSU Superintendent of Police Dr Benard Kibet Yegon emphasized the need for advanced technology to counter emerging threats, including Al-Shabaab attacks. He requested the acquisition of modern drones, advanced ammunition, and surveillance equipment. Yegon also proposed establishing five operational commands and enhancing cooperation with other security agencies to streamline deployments. This move is expected to bolster security in the country, particularly in areas prone to terrorist attacks.
The GSU officers also highlighted the poor housing conditions for personnel deployed to remote areas, with many living in worn-out tents exposed to extreme weather. Yegon pointed out that members of the proposed specialised unit currently receive a monthly allowance of Ksh2,000, which is far below the risk level. He urged the implementation of a special operations allowance previously approved for another formation to ensure that officers are adequately compensated for their services.
Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat raised concerns about the police service facing arrears of Ksh70 million, leaving some officers unpaid for up to three months. He requested that the committee consider these shortfalls in the next supplementary budget. Lagat also asked for Ksh60 million to fund the transfer and rotation of officers across the country, including those stationed in Mandera, Busia, and Narok, before December 2026.
The proposed specialised tactical unit is expected to be recognised as a permanent formation within the Kenya Police Service. This move aims to enhance the police service's response to security threats and ensure that officers are adequately equipped to handle emerging challenges. The unit's establishment is also expected to improve cooperation between security agencies and streamline deployments.
Committee chairperson and Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo pledged to review the funding requests and identify priority items for the forthcoming supplementary budget. Other demands will be considered in the next financial year's estimates. The committee's review is expected to focus on addressing the GSU's operational needs and ensuring that the police service is adequately funded to handle security challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
The GSU's requests are aimed at enhancing security in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The establishment of a specialised tactical unit, acquisition of modern equipment, and improved funding for the police service are expected to bolster security and ensure that officers are adequately equipped to handle emerging challenges.
Key points
- GSU requests specialised tactical unit and funding for modern equipment ahead of 2027 elections.
- Police service faces arrears of Ksh70 million, leaving some officers unpaid for up to three months.
- Committee chairperson pledges to review funding requests and identify priority items for supplementary budget.
