Matiang’i Unveils Kenya’s First All-Female SWAT Squad

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has presided over the pass-out parade of an elite all-female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad.

The team of 48 female commandos, who were picked from the Administration Police Service, is the first of its kind in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The training of the group featured the application of Israeli Krav Maga, techniques in handling multiple weapons as well as the management of explosives and IEDs among others.

Speaking during their graduation ceremony held in Ngong on Friday, CS Matiang’i said the squad will come in handy, especially in the handling of emerging security threats and hostage crisis.

He added that the officers are ready to thwart terror threats and attacks with precision and have demonstrated unmatched skills.

 “Today gives us confidence as the government that we have the capacity to protect our people and secure our country… Now we can rest assured that we have more officers who can undertake intricate security operations that require specialized approaches,” said Matiang’i.

Members of the elite squad underwent five months of intense physical and combat drilling, which is the first phase of their 15-month long standardized training.

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said they will progressively increase the contingent in the subsequent intakes.