Kiganjo Police Training College has acquired a new gymnasium, courtesy of the Kenya Police DT Sacco.
The Ultra-modern 200-capacity gym was constructed at a cost of Sh 79 million and equipped at Sh63 million as part of the Saccos Corporate Social Responsibility. It will replace the 90-capacity iron sheet gymnasium that the police officers and recruits have been using for training for the last 59 years.
According to Kiganjo Police Training College Commandant, Nyale Munga, the old gym has been inadequate in both capacity and equipment, therefore, limiting the institution’s capacity to meet the growing demands of the expanding training programmes offered by the institution. “The old gym contained limited essential equipment including four exercise bikes, two bench presses, dumbbells and barbells and we have struggled to meet the growing training demands for exercise and training,” noted Munga.
Speaking when he officially opened the facility, Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary (CS), Wycliffe Oparanya, lauded the Police Sacco for investing in an initiative which he noted will support the physical development and the overall wellness of the policing community.
Oparanya at the same time challenged other savings and cooperatives, to emulate the Police Sacco in supporting programs that promote the overall wellbeing of its members and the community.
“This is not just an investment in police training, but a big step towards nurturing sporting excellence in the country. The facility will be of use, especially considering the type of work that the police do which requires physical stamina and mental strength,” said the CS.
In addition to the strengthening and conditioning equipment, the facility is also fitted with treadmills, cross trainers and stationary bikes, which will be utilized for cardiovascular exercises. The facility also hosts specialized training zones for boxing, yoga, Karate and functional fitness.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Acting Deputy Inspector General of Police, Patrick Tito, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said that the facility is part of the ongoing police reforms and modernization of police facilities, which are geared at improving service delivery by providing a conducive working environment for police officers.
Kanja also termed the opening of the gymnasium as a bold step towards enhancing the welfare and wellness of serving police officers.
He noted that the facility will play a critical role in building endurance, managing stress and enhancing the performance of the officers
“The policing profession is demanding. Our officers must be physically fit, mentally fit and stable to be able to meet the expectations of modern policing. By investing in the physical and mental wellbeing of our personnel we are investing in a more efficient professional and people centred police service,” stated the IG.
In his remark, the Sacco’s Chairman, David Mategwa, said that plans are underway to develop similar wellness facilities across different police training colleges in the country.
He said that this will ensure that all officers regardless of their ranks have access to physical fitness amenities.
By Wangari Mwangi
