Piece by: GARVIN PATRICK

28 June 2024

• Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployment has received a lot of attention, it's important to understand the different mandates of the NPS and KDF

Kenya's recent protests have focused attention to national security and the duties of various security organizations.

While the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployment has received a lot of attention, it's important to understand the different mandates of the National Police Service (NPS) and the KDF, as outlined in the Kenyan Constitution.

National Police Service:

The National Police Service, established under Article 88 of the Constitution, is Kenya's premier civilian law enforcement organization.

Their responsibilities include:

Crime prevention and investigations:

The NPS is in charge of investigating criminal behavior, apprehending suspects, and keeping public order. This involves monitoring neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, and enforcing traffic rules.

The National Police Service protects residents' lives and property from violence, theft, and other illegal acts. They protect communities and maintain the safety of citizens and property.

Law enforcement:

The NPS implements national laws and regulations, guaranteeing compliance with the legal framework and preserving the rule of law.

Kenyan Defence Forces:

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), constituted under Article 241 of the Constitution, are the military forces in charge of protecting Kenya's territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Their duties include:

Defending against external threats:

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) protects Kenya's borders and deters potential military attacks. The KDF plays an important role in protecting Kenya's national security interests.

This involves addressing major security concerns, transnational crimes, and future insurgencies.

Supporting civilian authorities:

In extraordinary cases, the KDF can be deployed to help civilian authorities maintain law and order during national catastrophes or disasters. However, such deployment necessitates rigorous respect to the provisions established in the constitution.

Key Differences in Roles and Responsibilities

Their primary focus is the key distinguishing feature. The NPS is focused on internal security issues and enforcing civilian law, whereas the KDF prioritizes external threats and national defence.

Training and Equipment:

The NPS is trained in law enforcement techniques, crowd control, and community policing. Their equipment is geared towards keeping public order, including riot gear, patrol cars, and investigation instruments.

The Kenyan Defence Forces, on the other hand, receive military training in combat tactics, weaponry, and national defence policies. Their arsenal consists of heavy artillery, armoured vehicles, and modern military equipment.

Deployment and Use of Force:

The NPS is authorized to use force in a proportionate and discriminatory manner to maintain order and catch criminals. The KDF's use of force is primarily limited to wartime situations or extraordinary circumstances approved by the civilian administration.

Understanding KDF Deployment

The recent deployment of the KDF in reaction to protests demonstrates the complexities of security concerns. While the NPS is the principal security agency in charge of maintaining public order, the Constitution provides for KDF deployment in certain circumstances, such as supporting the police in times of crisis or restoring public order during major national catastrophes.

Kenya's security landscape is multidimensional. The National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces have unique but complementary roles in protecting the country.

Understanding their mandates, as outlined in the Constitution, is critical for informed conversations about security and the proper deployment of these forces.