The government will set up a special police unit to track down and dismantle child and human trafficking networks in the country, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

Speaking in Kericho County during the Jukwaa La Usalama town hall meeting on Thursday, Murkomen said the decision followed a BBC Africa Eye exposé showing underage girls being exploited by truck drivers in Mai Mahiu.

He said the revelations were deeply disturbing and demanded urgent government intervention to protect vulnerable women and children.

“The government has resolved to form a specialised police unit that will work closely with other agencies to dismantle child and human trafficking networks,” Murkomen said.

Investigations are already underway into the Mai Mahiu case, where the documentary exposed girls being lured, exploited and abused by long-distance truck drivers. Murkomen stressed that such exploitation would not be tolerated.

“We cannot allow a situation where our children are exposed to exploitation and abuse in the name of trade or transport corridors. It is unacceptable,” he said.

The special unit will be supported by stronger surveillance and intelligence-sharing systems. Murkomen warned that officers found aiding trafficking or ignoring reports would face disciplinary action.

“No one will be victimised for speaking the truth,” he said.

Murkomen also addressed concerns raised by a senior police officer during an earlier stop of the Jukwaa La Usalama tour in Laikipia, where challenges faced by female officers in frontline deployments were highlighted.

He said the purpose of the forums was to get honest feedback from the public and security personnel.

“No one will be victimised for speaking the truth. The government appreciates the role of all genders in policing,” he said, urging officers to remain respectful and tactful when sharing their concerns.

He added that the officer’s comments reflected the lived realities of female officers, and assured that the Kenya Kwanza administration was committed to supporting both men and women in service without discrimination.

The CS said the upcoming recruitment of 10,000 new police officers will include female candidates, in line with the government’s push for gender inclusivity. He also clarified that expectant officers or those with health conditions would not be deployed to frontline duties, as per internal policies that safeguard officer welfare.

On promotions, Murkomen noted that the directive to promote officers aged 50 and above who have stagnated in the ranks of constable, corporal or sergeant for years would be implemented gradually.

He also announced the resumption of training for chiefs, which has been on hold since 2018.

“After eight years, 1,000 officers will be training from tomorrow, Friday, August 8. Another group will start next month,” he said, noting that the training will focus on public administration to improve service delivery in local administrative units.

Murkomen said the wider goal was to rebuild trust in the security system by ensuring police officers are motivated, respected and responsive to the needs of the public.