•The officers successfully completed a Forensic/ Sex Crimes Investigations Course.
•David Ryan Williams, had the privilege to present the certificates to the officers at the Kenya Police Service headquarters - Vigilance House.
The National Police Service has lauded a team of six police officers after they completed training on how to handle matters of sexual gender-based violence cases in the country.
The International Legal Enforcement Agency (ILEA) awarded the certificates to the officers on Thursday.
The officers successfully completed a Forensic/ Sex Crimes Investigations Course.
In a statement, the Inspector general at NPS, Hilary Mutyambai said that the Special Agent at the US Embassy for Kenya, David Ryan Williams, had the privilege to present the certificates to the officers at the Kenya Police Service headquarters - Vigilance House.
“The training by the Agency (ILEA) focused on developing competencies and skills of participants in handling SGBV cases,” Mutyambai said.
“While noting that the training offered to officers complemented NPS' resolve to offer service with dignity to SGBV survivors, the DIG-KPS thanked the US Embassy delegation and ILEA for the partnership that will go a long way in addressing SGBV concerns in the country.”
According to a report released on February 10 by the Federation of Women Lawyers, there was an increase in the number of Gender-based violence cases between January 1 and 31.
The cases reported on their toll-free line were over 176, an increase from 161 in December.
Nancy Ikinu, Fida-Kenya chairperson said the surge in the cases prompted the launch of the toll-free line in April 2020.
The number of child custody and maintenance cases was also high with 80 cases.
The report attributes the rise in these cases to the pandemic that caused many Kenyans to suffer economic constraints.
“We received 9,891 cases between April and January, the highest number being child custody and maintenance cases at 3,608, followed by gender-based violence at 1,637,” the report said.
Further, graduands were urged to be more approachable, proactive and responsible as they discharge their mandate.
Williams lauded the graduands for their cooperation, eagerness to learn and profound passion for policing exhibited throughout the course.
The Agent also expressed US Embassy's willingness to partner and collaborate with the National Police Service Campuses in areas of mutual interests.
The US Embassy delegation was led by Mr Kevan Higgins, the Embassy's Director Bureau of Narcotics and Law Enforcement.