This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the Kenya National Gun Owners Association (NGOA) has taken steps to equip police officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect themselves and the public.
On June 16, 2020, the NGOA trained 88 police officers in Nakuru on how to interact with the public and protect themselves during the pandemic.
Deputy County Police Commander Joseph Tanui emphasized the importance of law enforcement agents in the fight against COVID-19, stating that they are part of the front line officers who have been deployed to enforce laws and regulations to contain the spread of the pandemic.
NGOA has trained over 4,600 police officers from 26 counties on how to sanitize their firearms, handcuffs, and use protective gear without endangering their lives.
Engineer Sammy Onyango, the National Vice Chairperson of NGOA, stated that the next training will be conducted in Kericho before being rolled out in West Pokot and Turkana Counties.
Onyango highlighted the risks faced by police officers in handling individuals who refuse to follow COVID-19 guidelines, such as keeping distance, wearing masks, staying at home, washing hands, and moving around contrary to cessation of movement directives.
NGOA has also donated disposable gloves, face masks, and water tanks to various police stations in Nakuru to boost the officers' morale in combating COVID-19.
Engineer Onyango emphasized the importance of continually updating police officers with new research findings about COVID-19 and encouraging them to limit their exposure to persons who may be ill by always wearing personal protective equipment while responding to situations that require close contact.
