Recce Squad is part of Kenya’s General Service Unit (GSU) under the National Police Service (NPS). It is responsible for providing security to the President, State House, and other critical government installations.
It also offers protection to select foreign airlines and strategic points within the country.
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Other functions include regulating rioting mobs and civil disturbances, counterterrorism and hostage rescue.
Recce Squad is also involved in high-risk arrests and operations and assists the police or military during national emergencies or terror threats.
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The Squad protects high-profile individuals and gathers and acts on intelligence in sensitive missions.
Individuals interested in joining the Recce Squad must join the NPS.
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They should apply during official police recruitment drives announced by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
Candidates will undergo a medical check, physical fitness assessment, and written tests.
Some of the requirements during police recruitment include being a Kenyan citizen, aged between 18-30, fit and healthy with no criminal record.
Recruits must also have a minimum of D+ in KCSE, with a minimum of D+ in Kiswahili or English.
Also Read: New Police Recruitment System Unveiled to Modernize Process
Selection into Recce Squad
After basic training, recruits can apply to join the GSU.
The best officers are picked to join the Recce Squad.
Selection is secretive and extremely competitive.
Recce Squad recruits then proceed for further training at Magadi Field Training Center, Solio Ranch or Ruiru College.
Those selected are usually the best recruits in theory and field performance.
After selection, they undergo an Israeli-designed seven-month special forces training.
This involves VIP protection, handling and detonating explosives, security of vital installations, anti-terrorism, close quarters combat, communications, combat medicine, sky marshal training and hostage rescue operations.
They also undergo advanced paramilitary training in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US).
Also Read: NIS Recruitment, Requirements, Process and Salary
Divisions Within the Squad
The Reece Squad is divided into 3 cohorts:
1.Sky Marshal Unit– This unit specializes in counter-terrorism tactics specific to aviation security. It is tasked with ensuring passenger safety on both domestic and international flights.
2.Crisis Response Team (CRT)– CRT wing is mostly trained in the USA.
This unit is always on stand-by to respond when the police cannot manage violent situations.
This is the team that responded to Westgate Mall and Garissa terror attacks.
3.Rendition Operations Team (ROT)– This unit operates undercover all over Kenya.
It handles sensitive security assignments and has been tasked with protecting during visits by high-profile international dignitaries.
This is the team that was tasked with providing security for US Vice President Joe Biden and later President Barack Obama when they visited Kenya.
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