President Mwai Kibaki has directed security forces to embark on a thorough national disarmament exercise to mop up illicit arms which posed a major challenge to security in the country.

President Kibaki at the same time put on notice those in illegal possession of firearms to voluntarily surrender them to the Government or face the full force of the law.

The President was speaking at the holy family basilica, Nairobi where he joined members of uniformed disciplined forces from the Kenya Police, the Administration Police, the Kenya Prison Service, the National Youth Service, Kenya Forest Service and Kenya wildlife Service and their families for a joint prayer/thanks giving service

‘Firearms Act'

The head of state attributed cattle rustling, banditry attacks, armed robberies and carjackings carried out by criminals in various parts of the country to illegally acquired firearms.

President Kibaki said the firearms act would soon be amended to provide stiffer penalties to those found with illegal firearms.

The head of state reassured Kenyans of the government commitment to security as a priority to realize tangible development in the country.

"To strengthen the legal framework and help mopping up illicit arms, Parliament will be asked to amend Firearms Act with a view to providing for stiffer penalties for those found in possession of firearms illegally," the President said.

The President appealed to the disciplined personnel to always extend a helping hand to citizens in distress, especially the anticipated heavy rains in the country.

The head of state joined other Christians in prayers for adequate rains that would help boost food production in the country. 

Crime

On challenges faced by disciplined forces in discharge of their duties, President Kibaki said a wide range of legislative, operational and administrative reforms had been initiated by the government to strengthen the forces in line with the changing times.

For the government to undertake meaningful reforms, the President said, extensive analysis of contemporary patterns and trends in crime has been carried out with a view to enabling the regular and administration police to respond to new generation crime.

"These crimes include terrorism, cybercrime, fraud, human and drug trafficking, among others. Training in these areas is already on going and will be sustained to enable us respond effectively to all security challenges," said the President.

The President noted that training in the areas of new generation crime has been intensified by the government to equip the security personnel with the necessary skills, technology and other facilities to effectively handle modern day challenges.

President Kibaki acknowledged the valuable services rendered by security personnel in the country and in apprecitiation pledged government continued support in improving their respective capacities.

"In this regard, we have placed particular emphasis on providing adequate resources for enhancing professionalism, communication and other critical areas of infrastructure. I am happy to note that though there is still more to be done, we have made good progress in these areas," the President said.

Remunerations

On welfare of the disciplined forces, the head of state said the government continued to periodically review remunerations of the entire staff to enhance the pay package.

Besides remuneration, President Kibaki said accommodation for disciplined forces has been improved with implementation of one of the most ambitious housing development programs for the disciplined forces in the recent years.

The President later cut a ceremonial cake to mark the event whose theme is "A new Heart, a New Spirit, and one Nation".

The service was conducted by Bishop Philip Anyolo of Homa Bay who is in charge of the uniformed disciplined services.

The annual thanks giving event brings together the uniformed disciplined officers and their families under one chaplaincy.

The spiritual event provides an opportunity to socially interact, and pray for departed collegues who pass on while in course of duty.

The spiritual service also complements the work of maintaining law and order and rehabilitation of offenders.

The function was addressed by the Director of Kenya Wildlife Service Dr. Julius Kipngetich.

In attendance were senior government officials led by Head of Public service Amb. Francis Muthaura and Service commanders among others.