The living conditions of our police officers have for long been a laughing stock in a country that boasts to be the biggest economy in the East African region.
Some of our officers have had to change police cells into living quarters while others have to deal with leaking roofs.
The history of our police service is that of dedicated men and women who have to live distant miles from their families just to guarantee our internal security while safeguarding order.
Since independence, we have made it a habit to let our police live in some makeshift structures as their homes as they operate in stuffed stations.
Most Kenyans love to associate our police officers with corruption, abuse of power, and other ills that draw us away from the damning realities and challenges they face in the line of duty.
This is despite their critical role in maintaining law and order and safeguarding the well-being of citizens.
Modern Police Stations should not look like scarecrows in the eyes of the public but rather friendly and attractive centers to the community.
Those in authority have deliberately slept on past recommendations touching on the complete merger of Kenya Police and the Administration Police, highlighting the need to decentralize police services to ultimately grant financial independence to the service.
The current administration of Kenya Kwanza government promised to give the police service operational autonomy, a move many believed would give the service power to improve working conditions for our officers.
World over, good living conditions for police officers entail adequate housing, quick access to healthcare, and a supportive community environment that establishes a working relationship with police officers.
For now, let us fast-track plans to modernize the National Police Service with new equipment and user-friendly weapons.
The plan laid down by the government for digitization of police operations as well as constructing new housing units for police officers must also be given key priority.
The housing aspect is very critical and most importantly we must improvise a proper procedure for managing and allocating housing within the National Police Service.
Additionally, we must ensure that our officers and their families have reliable and easy access to quality healthcare services, including mental health support. This is because of the nature of the work they do and the trauma that comes with it.
We must always remember that Police officers deployed in hardship areas like Samburu, Laikipia and Garissa, often face challenges like lack of basic amenities, poor housing, harsh climatic conditions, communication difficulties, and heightened security risks.
Some have encountered difficult and traumatic situations that have led to moral distress.
Even for those who find themselves on the wrong side of things with our officers, let us remember that these are men and women who have seen the absolute worst of society; they see the terrible crashes, traumatizing crimes and all manner of evil.
They don’t work regular shifts like much of working America; their day often doesn’t end until crises subside. Called into work at all hours, they cannot ignore the call because the community depends on their protection.
We have been oblivious to let these sacrifices go ignored and under-appreciated when they have been the most honorable members of our society in a way that we can’t see.
Their dedication to serving their communities regardless of the cost is one of the most admirable actions that one could take.
The writer is a criminologist, security expert and communication consultant.
