The General Service Unit elite Recce Company today received a state-of-the-art helicopter in a bid to help the unit combat terror and respond effectively to situations.
The 15-seater chopper made by Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland based in Samarate, Northern Italy.
The chopper which according to Interior CS Joseph Nkaiserry can cruise for 1000km without refueling, took ten months to assemble.
It has the highest speed among the helicopter family and is fitted with rocket launchers and a machine gun.
Nkaiserry did not disclose the cost of the chopper, but sources said it is close to Sh800 million.
The Interior CS said the chopper will enhance mobility and the capacity of the squad which is mainly deployed to respond to dangerous situations.
"We made a pledge to Kenyan that will do everything possible to make our country save. This is an ongoing effort to modernise our police equipment and enhance security. It is the best in the market," he said.
It can evacuate at least eight person with hook to rescue people on capsized ship/boat to safety. It can also carry eight VIPs at once.
It is fitted with high resolution camera and can fly at night with effective lighting system.
The chopper is the first to be sold to Kenya by the Italian government. It is also the first to be availed to the squad, trained within the country and abroad in highly such as United Kingdom, America and Israel.
"During the Garissa University attack, you accused me of flying to the scene instead of the officer. With this chopper, we can now effectively respond to such situation," he said.
He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinet, Deputy IG John Kitili and Commandant Kenya Police Airwing Rodgers Mbithi and Italy ambassador to Kenya.
"We must be able to secure this country," he said.