The National Police Service (NPS), through the Kenya Police Service’s National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), has officially launched a Basic Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Orientation Course in partnership with the Polish Centre for International Aid (PCPM).The training program, which will run from September through early next year, aims to enhance Kenya’s disaster response capabilities and strengthen the skills of police officers in technical rescue operations.
The inaugural cohort comprises 20 officers, including eight from the NDMU and twelve drawn from various police formations and regions.
This group will form a “light team” under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) classification, which organizes teams into light, medium, and heavy categories depending on size and operational capacity.
Established in 2013 through a presidential directive, the NDMU has been at the forefront of building Kenya’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
The new USAR course will equip officers with specialized knowledge in security, public safety, and search and rescue operations, ensuring they can respond efficiently during emergencies.
Speaking virtually during the launch, PCPM Project Coordinator Dr. Magdalena Jarocka highlighted the importance of the training in developing professional rescue services capable of managing complex disaster situations.NDMU Director, AIG Duncan Ochieng, congratulated the officers on their selection, urging them to combine individual skills with teamwork to meet the high demands of disaster response.
He emphasized that their role not only restores hope to citizens during crises but also reassures the international community of Kenya’s preparedness.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Deputy Director Samuel Mutunga, CP, National Volunteers Coordinator Malkit Singh Main, Deputy Coordinator Dr. Richard Kubo, and ASP Yakub Mohammed.
The program marks significant step in strengthening Kenya’s capacity to respond to emergencies while building professional competence in urban search and rescue operations.
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