The Kenya National Police Service comprises various units including the General Service Unit (GSU), Administration Police (AP), and Kenya Police.
The GSU Reece Squad and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are Kenya’s most powerful units, specially trained and equipped to protect the country from internal and external threats.
Their main job involves responding to high-security threats and emergencies with the Westgate, Garissa, and Dusit attacks being among the most memorable Kenyans have witnessed Reece Squad officers in action.
These officers receive training in operations involving explosive handling, VIP protection, security gadget installation, and more.
However, there are other units under the Kenya National Police Service, that are very powerful when it comes to emergencies and dealing with terrorists. They include:
Administration Police Special Force (SOG)
SOG is one of the most sophisticated and effective fighting forces within the police. It is the second deadliest police unit, after the Recce Squad.
According to sources, the squad receives specialized training in direct action, entry by force, and counterterrorism, from the United States and Israel.
According to the Ministry of Interior, out of every 2000 recruits who join the 6-month specialised training only about 100 graduate.
Below is a list of Kenya’s most powerful police units:
KDF Salary: Kenya Army Ranks and Salaries
Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU)
The Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), also known as “Radi” (lightning in Swahili), is one of the elite Administration Police Service (APS) units.
The unit was formed in 2000 to be APS’s main fighting unit following a series of security threats.
The RDU is primarily responsible for responding to urgent security situations, providing critical security operations during conflicts, national emergencies and international events.
Besides emergencies, the unit also help combat banditry and cattle rustling, especially through collaboration with the Anti-Stock Theft Unit.
The majority of this unit’s commanding officers are trained abroad.
Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU)
The Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU), established in 2016, is a unit within the Administration Police Service (APS) tasked with safeguarding Kenya’s critical infrastructure.
These officers man vital infrastructures including major Power stations and key transportation e.g. Nairobi expressway, and data centers.
However, some critical Infrastructures such as the KBC, JKIA and Lodwar Airport are manned by the General Service Unit and Kenya Police Service.
Security Of Government Buildings Unit (SGB)
The Security of Government Buildings Unit (SGB) was founded in 1977 to provide security for government buildings in the Nairobi region.
Previously, this unit was known as Government Buildings Security (GBS). It was an AP subunit led by a commanding commander.
Rural Border Patrol Unit (RBPU)
The Border Police Unit (BPU), formerly known as the Rural Border Patrol Unit (RBPU), was founded on 1 July 2008 with its headquarters located in Kanyonyoo, Kitui County.
This unit is responsible for tackling border crime.
