Kenya says to increase funding to thwarts security threats

NAIROBI, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Monday that his government will allocate more resources to the police modernization program to give the force the ability to neutralize all forms of threats to the safety and security of Kenyans.

Kenyatta said the modernization of the police force has helped Kenya make tremendous gains in the fight against terrorism, vowing to launch aggressive modernization of the police force to maintain the gains in the fight against all forms of criminal activities.

"These investments have eased the response to emergencies and improved police efficiency and effectiveness. We also remain seized with the task of improving police welfare," he said during the passing out parade of 3,984 Administration Police officers in Nairobi.

The Kenyan leader said the modernization of the force has included the provision of sufficient vehicles, modern weapons, armored vehicles for special operations and revamping of the police air wing for air support services.

He said the modernization program has given sufficient momentum to the fight against crime and the funding for it would be increased to maintain the gains.

He said the multi-agency approach to fighting organized crime has enabled the security forces to make tremendous gains in the war against terrorism.

Kenyatta said the multi-agency approach needs to be supported by a whole-country approach.

"I urge the public to play its role. We must adopt a whole of country approach in the fight against terrorism and all forms of crime to protect our motherland," he said.

The president called on the new police officers to be patriotic and to courageously take up their duty which often requires them to endure danger and hardship to protect their compatriots. Enditem