In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and advance community-focused policing, the Ushiriki Wema Foundation has commissioned two boreholes at the Embakasi “A” Administration Police Campus and the Embakasi “B” General Service Unit (GSU) Campus.
The project, implemented in partnership with the National Police Service (NPS) and Regner Fu Capital Group (RFCG), marks a significant milestone in the Kuzingatia Mazingira Yetu campaign—an environmental and social responsibility initiative launched in 2023.
The campaign aims to support President William Ruto’s clarion call to plant and nurture 15 billion trees by 2030, while also promoting sustainable development through community-centred interventions, including the provision of clean and sustainable water and ecological stewardship.
The historic event, presided over by Ushiriki Wema Foundation Chairperson Tessie Musalia—spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs—was hailed as a testament, promoting shared service, national progress, and the dignity of frontline officers.
“Security and community welfare are two sides of the same coin,” she remarked. Adding that, “This project reminds us that service is mutual, and trust is built through tangible, impactful partnerships.”
The event was attended by Inspector General of Police Mr. Douglas Kanja, alongside Director of Criminal Investigations Mr. Mohamed Amin, among other senior officers, private sector stakeholders, and local community representatives.
Initially launched as a tree-planting drive, the Kuzingatia Mazingira Yetu initiative has grown to include sustainable water infrastructure projects.
The new boreholes in Embakasi follow earlier interventions, including the commissioning of a similar facility at the Kiganjo Police Campus in Nyeri and plans for an additional installation at Utawala School.
Mrs Mudavadi emphasised that access to clean, safe, and sufficient water is a fundamental human right—and a catalyst for dignity, good health, and economic resilience.
“Just as the President has prioritised decent housing and healthcare for officers, we recognise that access to water strengthens not only livelihoods but also national cohesion,” she noted.
The newly commissioned boreholes, designed to serve both officers and neighbouring communities, support the broader police reform agenda aimed at improving service conditions for the men and women in uniform. They also complement government efforts to provide dignified living and working environments for officers.
Tessie also extended her appreciation to RFCG for their continued support, highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in driving meaningful development.
“To RFCG, thank you for believing in this vision. Your commitment demonstrates how much more we can accomplish when we walk this journey together,” she said.
The event culminated with tree-planting activities and community engagements, underscoring the initiative’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship and public trust, as officials emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector.
“We are not just drilling boreholes—we are planting seeds of trust, progress, and environmental consciousness. May these projects inspire continued collaboration that protects our ecosystems, uplifts our officers, and unites our communities.”
On his side, Inspector General of Police Mr. Douglas Kanja stressed the vital role water plays in human survival, economic development, and national security.
“This Constitution clearly states that every person has the right to clean and safe water in adequate quantities. That right is at the heart of our shared mission today,” he said, noting that the National Police Service has established a specialised Water Police Unit to protect water-related infrastructure under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation.
The unit is tasked with preventing theft and vandalism of water and sanitation assets, especially amid rising cases of resource-based conflicts in parts of the country.
“As a security agency, we recognise the insecurities that arise from the competition over limited water resources. We have witnessed these tensions, and we are prepared to safeguard this critical national asset,” he added.
The IG also emphasised that the welfare of police officers remains a key priority. He lauded the support provided to NPS training institutions, which he said will enhance their capacity to train officers to the highest standards of competence, professionalism, and respect for human rights—values enshrined in Article 244(d) of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
“This aligns with my agenda of transforming police stations into centers of excellence. These projects are timely and provide a major boost to the welfare of our officers and their families,” he stated.
The IG praised the long-standing partnership with the Ushiriki Wema Foundation, which has been instrumental in supporting environmental conservation and infrastructure projects within the NPS.
He assured stakeholders that the NPS is fully committed to sustaining the partnership and ensuring the protection of critical water facilities are properly safeguarded and maintained.
“As a service, we are duty-bound to conserve the environment and its ecosystems. We will continue to protect and conserve water resources and ensure this project’s sustainability,” he pledged.
IG further commended all officers for their patriotism and commitment to service, calling on instructors at police training colleges to deliver quality training that instils best practices in policing.
“Excellence in policing starts with excellence in training. I count on you to pass on knowledge and values that reflect integrity and fidelity to the Constitution,” he said.
by Ian Chepkuto
