The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security has pledged to support efforts to secure additional resources for the expansion and improvement of police training facilities across the country.
The committee, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, made the commitment on Saturday during an inspection of the Magado Field Campus of the Kenya Police Service and the Lii Field Training Camp of the Administration Police Service in Igembe North, Meru County.
The lawmakers assessed infrastructure at the two facilities and their preparedness to accommodate and train police personnel and National Police Reservists.
The visit comes as Magado takes on a larger role in training National Police Reservists, with 700 NPRs from different counties and conservancies undertaking a one-month intensive course at the facility.
Tongoyo said the committee would use Parliament’s oversight and budgetary processes to address gaps identified at the facilities.
“As a committee, we are here to see for ourselves the progress that has been made, the challenges facing these facilities and what needs to be done to make it more effective,” Tongoyo said.
He added that Parliament would push for additional resources where necessary.
“Where there are gaps in infrastructure, equipment or other resources, we shall take up the matter through the appropriate parliamentary processes. We want our security officers and reservists to train in facilities that meet the standards required for the important work they do.”
Tongoyo said effective policing requires investment in training, accommodation, equipment and other operational facilities.
“You cannot expect our officers to perform effectively if we do not invest in their training and welfare. The committee will continue to engage the relevant security agencies and ensure that the necessary resources are provided,” he said.
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, who hosted the committee at Magado, also addressed the 700 NPRs undertaking the intensive course.
Lagat urged the reservists to take the training seriously and acquire the skills needed to support security agencies and protect their communities.
“You have been brought here because of the responsibility that awaits you. Take this training seriously. Use every opportunity you have here to acquire the skills and knowledge that will help you serve your communities effectively,” Lagat said.
He challenged the reservists to maintain discipline throughout the one-month programme.
“Training is not something you undertake simply because you have been called. It requires commitment, discipline and sacrifice. You must listen to your instructors, respect the rules and make the best use of the time you have here,” he said.
The committee also inspected the Lii Field Training Camp, where Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli briefed the lawmakers on the facility’s role in preparing officers for security operations.
Masengeli said investment in training infrastructure was critical to strengthening the capacity of the Administration Police Service.
“Training is at the centre of an effective security service. Our officers must be equipped with the skills, discipline and knowledge necessary to respond to the challenges they encounter in the field,” Masengeli said.
He welcomed the committee’s oversight visit, saying it would help identify areas requiring attention and improve the quality of training and welfare for officers.
“We appreciate the committee's decision to come and see the facilities for themselves. Such oversight allows Parliament and the security agencies to identify areas that require attention and agree on how best to address them,” he said.
The inspection is part of Parliament’s broader oversight of the implementation of budgets allocated to security agencies.