Youths from Mitingani in Bamba, Kilifi County, have made history after graduating as police officers for the first time since Kenya attained independence. Three youths from Mitingani in Bamba, Kilifi County, who made history after graduating as police officers for the first time since independence. Photo: Fikirini Jacobs. Source: Facebook The milestone has been celebrated as a major breakthrough for the remote coastal community, which has historically faced challenges linked to marginalisation and limited access to opportunities. Bamba is a remote interior town in Kilifi County, situated approximately 40 to 50 kilometres from the Indian Ocean coastline and major coastal centres such as Kilifi and Malindi. Unlike the sandy beaches and lush landscapes commonly associated with Kenya’s Coast, Bamba lies in a semi-arid and rugged area characterised by dry shrubland and challenging terrain. Its geographical isolation and historically limited infrastructure made the area difficult to access, earning Bamba a reputation as one of Kenya’s far-flung destinations. The area is also popularly associated with the traditional song “Safari ya Bamba ni Machero” (the journey to Bamba is tomorrow), which highlights the difficulty of travelling to the region. Historic milestone for Bamba youths Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, who hails from the area, celebrated the achievement in a social media post, describing the graduation as a proud and historic moment for the community.
“Congratulations, boys! Today is a truly historic and proud moment for Mitangani in Bamba. For the first time since Independence, young men from my home location have graduated and are now ready to serve our nation through the National Police Service,” Fikirini said. He noted that the achievement could inspire other young people in the area whose ambitions to serve the country had previously been hindered by marginalisation. “Your achievement is a source of great pride to the many other ambitious youth whose aspirations to serve their country were limited by marginalization. Please go forth and serve our nation with honour, discipline and distinction,” he added. Fikirini also thanked President William Ruto for what he described as efforts to promote equity in public service, saying the milestone demonstrated the importance of expanding opportunities to communities that had historically been left behind. President William Ruto presided over the 59th passing-out parade for administration police recruits at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Facebook Ruto highlights police reforms The recruits graduated during the 59th passing-out parade for administration police recruits, presided over by President Ruto at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi, on Friday, September 4.
In his address, Ruto congratulated the recruits and urged them to exercise their authority responsibly while putting public service at the centre of their duties. He called on the officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, transparency, accountability and respect for human rights as they carry out their responsibilities. “Kenyans have entrusted you with the cardinal responsibility of preserving peace and enforcing the law and protecting the rights, lives and dignity of every citizen,” Ruto said. The president also outlined measures his administration says it is implementing to improve the welfare, equipment and working conditions of police officers. According to Ruto, the reforms cover remuneration and welfare, housing, training, equipment, technology, infrastructure and institutional capacity. He said the government has built 252 police stations and recruited and trained 10,000 officers since 2022, while more than 31,000 serving officers have received additional professional training. Ruto further said the National Police Service Referral Hospital at Mbagathi has been completed, while the Forensic Laboratory has been constructed and is being equipped.
