Africa Defense Forum
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Equipment Strengthens Kenya’s Police Force

ADF STAFF

Acting on a pledge to support Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government recently donated more than $580,000 in personal protective equipment (PPE) and information and communications technology (ICT) to the East African country.

The U.S. delivered the items to the National Police Service, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and Kenya Prison Services. It was the latest U.S. donation of similar items since Kenyan authorities requested them in July, as lockdown measures strained relations between police and civilians.

“The COVID-19 crisis reminds all of us of the importance of protecting both public health while also providing a safe and secure environment for all Kenyans,” U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter said in a news release.

“A healthy police force is essential to achieving this objective. It is critically important that Kenyans follow public health guidelines, and it is equally important that police are able to enforce these regulations, ensuring safety and respect for all.”

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, the U.S. has made the following donations since it announced plans to donate $50 million to support Kenya’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts:

  • On July 7, the U.S. donated forensic and telecommunications equipment to the IPOA. The equipment was used in a call center for the public to report police misconduct.
  • On July 29, the U.S. delivered ICT equipment to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. The equipment was to enhance fairness and accountability in the criminal justice system and ensure timely resolution of cases.
  • On August 3, the U.S. donated ICT equipment to the National Police Service to be used during internal affairs investigations of police misconduct.
  • On August. 11, the U.S. offered PPE for use in the country’s maximum security and remand prisons.
  • On August 12, the U.S. Embassy presented PPE to the IPOA for use during investigation and monitoring activities.“This donation illustrates the strategic partnership IPOA continues to enjoy with the U.S. government and also offers us an opportunity to continue serving the people of Kenya safely,” IPOA Vice Chairman Jonathan Lodompui said.
  • On August 13, the U.S. delivered PPE to the National Police Service.

During the pandemic, the American government also has donated to Kenya about $15 million to bolster its health and water systems and enhance communication and community engagement efforts, nearly $28 million toward small-business relief and food security, and another $6.2 million toward a reading program for children and a job initiative for young people, among other efforts.

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