Murkomen Orders Fresh Training for 8,000+ Police Reservists
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed that more than 8,000 National Police Reservists (NPRs) undergo fresh training as the government seeks to strengthen security operations across the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed that more than 8,000 National Police Reservists (NPRs) undergo fresh training as the government seeks to strengthen security operations across the country.
Murkomen issued the directive during the passing-out ceremony of 705 National Police Reservists at the Magado Field Training Camp in Meru County. The officers had completed a one-month intensive training programme aimed at improving their ability to respond to insecurity in areas affected by banditry and cattle rustling.
The 705 reservists were recruited from 10 counties, including Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, Isiolo, Meru, Marsabit, Kitui, Tana River and West Pokot.
The training brought together reservists from different communities, with the government seeking to strengthen cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordination among officers working in areas affected by insecurity.
Murkomen said all serving NPRs, estimated at more than 8,000, should undergo refresher training at the Magado camp within the next eight months.
The Interior CS said the programme would help improve the effectiveness of reservists while also promoting cohesion among officers from different communities.
The newly trained officers underwent instruction in areas including firearm handling, field operations, crime prevention and community policing.
Murkomen also warned the reservists against misusing government-issued firearms, saying officers who use their weapons unlawfully would face prosecution. He further cautioned them against being used by politicians and urged them to maintain professionalism and political neutrality.
The directive comes as the government continues to expand the role of National Police Reservists in areas where communities face persistent security challenges.
According to the Kenya News Agency, Murkomen said NPRs have previously played a role in recovering more than 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition through intelligence gathered from local communities.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the newly trained reservists would increase the operational capacity of the National Police Service, particularly in remote areas where regular police presence remains limited.
The latest training programme also included 11 retired chiefs and seven women among the 705 reservists who graduated.
Murkomen has previously called for changes in the management of NPRs, including clearer command structures, defined payments and regular refresher training. In parliamentary proceedings, he said reservists should not be trained once and then left without further professional development.
The government has also been establishing specialised training facilities in areas affected by cattle rustling and banditry. Earlier in 2026, Murkomen said more training camps would be established in regions including West Pokot, Baringo and Turkana.
The programme is also expected to place greater emphasis on professionalism, discipline and cooperation as reservists continue supporting security operations in parts of the country affected by insecurity.
