(Mombasa) – The Tourism Police Unit (TPU) officers stationed along Kenya’s Coast are preparing for the busy festive season by undergoing specialized training. The training aims to equip the officers with the necessary skills to handle an expected increase in tourists, both local and international.
Charity Wangui, the Coast TPU commander, highlighted that the officers will play a key role in ensuring safety as Mombasa and the surrounding coastal areas welcome more visitors. Wangui emphasized that the busy festive season would demand high levels of preparation from the police, which is why the training is crucial.
The training, funded by the Tourism Fund, is designed to help the officers improve crime prevention strategies and protect the rights of all individuals, especially foreign nationals who may be visiting the region. As tourism numbers rise, it is essential for the officers to be prepared for any challenges that may arise.
According to Wangui, the significant increase in tourists is evident through the growing numbers at the airport, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) stations, and public transport buses. These areas have seen an uptick in activity, signaling the arrival of both local and foreign tourists. Wangui explained that now is the best time to retool officers in preparation for the busy season ahead.
More than 100 officers have already participated in the training, which covers several critical areas such as the Tourism Act, witness and suspect interrogation, and psychological sensitization. The goal of this training is to ensure that officers can effectively handle suspects while maintaining professionalism and empathy.
Edward Kisali, the Tourism Fund Levy Compliance Manager, said that the induction program is a timely initiative that will positively impact the tourism sector during the festive season. The program is being conducted across three counties—Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi—regions that are expected to attract a large number of tourists during the holidays.
Kisali also noted that the officers will be vigilant for potential security threats as the public begins to engage in festive activities. The training will not only focus on crime prevention but will also enhance the officers’ knowledge in investigations, fraud detection, and overall security management.
This initiative is expected to boost the confidence of tourists and ensure that the festive season is safe for all visitors to the Coast.
| Training Areas | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime Prevention | Strategies for preventing tourist-related crimes |
| Psychological Sensitization | Training to help officers manage interactions with tourists |
| Tourism Act Knowledge | Understanding of laws affecting the tourism sector |
| Suspect Interrogation | Techniques for handling witness and suspect interviews |
| Fraud Detection | Identifying and preventing fraudulent activities |