The Kenya police service is one of the three branches of the National Police Service. The service comprises various units that carry out different duties to maintain law and order in the country.
The roles of the Kenya Police Service include maintaining law and order, preserving peace, protecting life and property, investigating crimes, and enforcing laws and regulations.
They also play a crucial role in preventing and detecting crime, collecting criminal intelligence, and apprehending offenders.
To execute their work effectively, these officials are assigned firearms, which are used in line with the National Police Service Act.
The National Police Service Act guidelines on the use of firearms by Kenyan police directs that the police shall use firearms when less extreme measures are inadequate and primarily to save or protect the life of an officer or another person.
The Act prohibits the use of firearms solely for property defense or to prevent escape unless there is a proximate, grave threat to life.
Commonly used firearms in Kenya
The most commonly used firearms by the Kenya Police include the Glock 17 and 19 pistols, the G3 and AK-47 assault rifles, and the MP5 submachine gun.
These firearms are chosen for their reliability, ease of use, and effectiveness in various operational scenarios.
Below is the classification of the commonly used firearms in Kenya
- Handguns and Pistols
These firearms are known for their reliability and ease of use. They include Glock pistols and Browning pistols, and their lightweight and ease of use make them a reliable weapon for the Kenya Police.
Glock Pistols
This is one of the most used handguns by the Kenya Police, primarily the Glock 17 and Glock 19 models.
These pistols are favored for their lightweight design and high-capacity magazines, making them ideal for both routine patrols and high-stress situations.
Most powerful special units within Kenya Police Service
Browning Pistols
This semi-automatic pistol has been in service for decades and is known for its accuracy and durability. It has a magazine capacity of 13 rounds, which provides a balanced mix of firepower and usability.
- Assault Rifles
Assault rifles are mainly used in crowd control and anti-terrorism missions. The G3 Rifle and AK-47 are the popular assault rifles in the Kenya’s military.
G3 Rifle
The G3 rifle, manufactured by the German company Heckler & Koch, is known for its ability to fire in both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. Its accuracy makes the 7.62mm assault rifle a reliable weapon for the security service.
AK-47
The AK-47 is another iconic firearm known for its durability and ease of use. Its 7.62mm rounds are powerful, and the rifle’s design allows it to function reliably even under harsh conditions.
- Submachine Guns
MP5 Submachine Gun
Known for its accuracy and low recoil, the MP5 is ideal for close-quarter combat situations. Its 9mm rounds are effective yet manageable, making it a preferred choice for anti-terrorism and high-risk operations.
Scorpion EVO 3 A1
This submachine gun is known for its compact design and high rate of fire.
- Rifles and Carbines
M16 Rifle
The M16 rifle is known for its accuracy and range and is suitable for both urban and rural operations. It fires 5.56mm rounds, which are effective for long-range engagements.
Its modular design allows for various attachments, making it a versatile weapon for different tactical needs.
M4 Carbine
The M4 Carbine, a shorter and more maneuverable version of the M16, is also part of the Kenya Police’s arsenal. Its compact design makes it ideal for close-quarter battles and urban warfare.
- Sniper Rifles
Sniper rifles are specialized firearms used for long-range engagements. These rifles are equipped with high-powered scopes and are designed for precision.
Models like the Dragunov SVD and the Barrett M82 are among the sniper rifles used. These firearms are crucial for counter-terrorism operations and situations requiring high accuracy.
