Security operations at the grassroots level in West Pokot County are set for a major boost following a visit by the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU) command to assess the implementation of the new security structure.
A team led by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Charles Mutuma, the Commandant of NGAPU, visited the county to inspect and monitor the progress of the unit, which is being piloted in 16 counties before its eventual rollout across the country.
The initiative is part of ongoing reforms within the Administration Police aimed at bringing security and government services closer to citizens while strengthening the capacity of national government administrators to effectively serve communities.
Mutuma said West Pokot was among the counties selected for the pilot programme, noting that the deployment of officers to the grassroots would enable the police to work more closely with residents and local administrators.
“West Pokot is among the 16 counties where the government has proposed the deployment of police officers to the grassroots,” Mutuma said.
He explained that the unit would support local administrators, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, while overseeing grassroots deployments, protecting administrators and ensuring security operations remain aligned with national security objectives.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the NGAPU team to assess the implementation process and gather recommendations on how the new structure can improve service delivery to residents.
West Pokot County Commissioner David Sruni welcomed the initiative, saying closer deployment of security officers would strengthen government operations and improve security, particularly in areas where administrators work closely with local communities and elders.
“Deploying police officers closer to the grassroots will greatly improve government operations and enhance security,” Sruni said.
The initiative is particularly significant for West Pokot, a county that shares borders with other counties and neighbouring Uganda, making effective coordination of security operations at the local level crucial.
The NGAPU structure is expected to provide a more coordinated link between national government administration and communities by ensuring security concerns are identified and addressed closer to where people live.
The inspection marks an important step in the implementation of the pilot programme, with lessons from West Pokot and the other selected counties expected to inform improvements before the model is rolled out nationally.
By Parklea Ivor
