The Border Police Unit (BPU) has raised concerns over resource constraints, inadequate communication infrastructure, surveillance equipment and residential facilities for officers as a National Assembly committee inspected its headquarters and training college at Kanyonyo in Kitui County.
During the Friday, November 13 inspection, officers briefed lawmakers on the operational challenges affecting the specialised security unit, highlighting the need for sustained investment in personnel, equipment and infrastructure to strengthen its capacity to secure the country’s borders.
The parliamentary delegation, drawn from the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, was led by its Vice-Chairperson, Col. (Rtd.) Dido Rasso.
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The committee was received by the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service (DIG-APS), Gilbert Masengeli, alongside senior officers from the service and the Border Police Unit.
The inspection provided lawmakers with an opportunity to assess the unit’s institutional capacity, understand its operational responsibilities and examine the facilities supporting its work.
During the engagement, senior BPU officers outlined the unit’s responsibilities, achievements and operational requirements, while formed-up units demonstrated their capabilities to the visiting legislators.
Officers also used the opportunity to explain the challenges they encounter in carrying out their duties, with discussions focusing on improved resource allocation, modern communication systems, enhanced surveillance capabilities and adequate residential accommodation.
The committee was further taken through the equipment currently used by the unit and the additional resources required to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
MPs Inspect BPU Hospital
Beyond the security installations, the lawmakers also toured the Border Police Unit hospital, where they interacted with medical personnel and received briefings on the challenges facing the health facility.
Budgetary constraints and the need for additional resources emerged as key concerns during the hospital visit.
The delegation also engaged physiotherapists and officers injured in the line of duty, gaining insight into the rehabilitation services and support available to personnel recovering from injuries sustained while serving the country.
Members of the public seeking medical services at the facility also interacted with the legislators, offering a broader perspective on the hospital’s role in supporting both police officers and the surrounding community.
The visit therefore brought into focus not only the operational requirements of the Border Police Unit but also the welfare and healthcare needs of officers serving in demanding security environments.
Senior Police Command Participates
Masengeli was accompanied by senior Administration Police Service officers, including Hesbon Lusweti, Director of Personnel; Jackson Kangani, Director of Security Operations; Davies Lomwatu, Commandant of the Border Police Unit; and Kiplagat Chirchir, Commandant of the Border Police Training College.
Other members of the committee included MPs Francis Kipyegon Sigei and Edward Oku Kaunya, alongside other legislators and parliamentary secretariat officials.
The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration between Parliament and the National Police Service in addressing institutional challenges and strengthening the country’s security infrastructure.
For Kanyonyo and Kitui County, the inspection placed the local security establishment at the centre of a national parliamentary oversight exercise, with lawmakers getting first-hand exposure to the operational, infrastructure and welfare requirements of the Border Police Unit.
The committee’s eventual recommendations and any action arising from the inspection will be important in determining how the concerns raised by officers are addressed.
