Hiring police escorts for weddings, funerals and other private events has become increasingly common in Kenya.
Event organisers often request police escorts to help wedding convoys move smoothly through traffic, maintain order at venues and enhance security for VIP guests.
According to the National Police Service, this service is legal and anyone including members of the public, companies, and event organisers, can hire police escort for security, escort or guarding needs.
This article explains the process of hiring police escort and the charges.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), anyone wishing to hire officers for a private function must first visit the nearest Police station and make the request.
The station will then contact NPS to assess the request and determine whether it can be accommodated.
Alternatively, the process can be completed online via the ECitizen platform. NPS directs that applicants log onto eCitizen platform and navigate to the National Police Service section.
Click on the Hire of Police Service menu, download and the fill in the official document titled Request for Hire of Police Security Services.
Applicants must provide key contact details, including name of the organisation or individual, physical address, and telephone number.
They must also indicate the number of officers needed, the specific date they are needed and whether they should be armed or unarmed.
Applicants must also provide a breakdown of ranks required, such as inspectors, sergeants, corporals or constables, before signing the application.
How much it costs to hire police officers in Kenya
The cost of hiring police officers varies depending on duration, rank, and whether they are armed or unarmed. All rates apply for a maximum of eight hours per day.
Armed Officers (Per Hour)
Armed officers are charged differently depending on their rank:
- Inspectors -Sh188
- Sergeants-Sh150
- Corporals-Sh125
- Constables- Sh100
Unarmed Officers (Per Hour)
- Inspectors-Sh150
- Sergeants-Sh125
- Corporals-Sh100
- Constables-Sh75
Vehicles and motorbike escort services (Per Hour)
- 999 patrol car-Sh5,000
- Armed motorbike rider- Sh1,200 to Sh2,000 (depending on rank)
- Unarmed riders-Sh1,000 and Sh1,800 (depending on rank)
According to the National Police Service Act (NO 11A of 2011), the monies paid for the private use of the police shall be paid to the Treasury.
“The Inspector-General shall only deploy an officer for private use for the protection of the public good or interest. The monies paid for the private use of the police, as specified in subsection, shall be paid to the Treasury. The Inspector-General shall make regulations generally to have effect under this section.” Read part of the Act.
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