General Service Unit (Kenya)

Initially created as the Emergency Company or Regular Police Reserve in 1948, the GSU began as a unit of 50 men armed with Bren gun carriers and armoured cars and was involved in a number of uprisings including the Mau Mau Uprising before being renamed the General Service Unit in September 1953. In 1957, the unit was re-organised and all the companies were brought under one commander, a S. G. Thomson. More recently, in July 2005, troops of the GSU were sent to northern Kenya to seek out those responsible for the deaths of 76 people, 22 of them children, at a school in the area. The GSU helped prevent further friction between feuding Gabra and Borana communities when they were transported to the region by two police and two military helicopters, as well as two ministers from the Kenyan government. Currently, the GSU has around 5,000 paramilitary troops, of which 2,000 are the Israeli-trained and battle-hardened 'Recce group'. It is regulated under chapter seven of the National Police Service Standing Orders. ==Duties==

The objectives of the General Service Unit (GSU) of the Kenya Police are explicitly stated to address various aspects of internal security within the republic. Firstly, the GSU aims to handle situations that impact the nation's internal security, encompassing a broad range of potential threats. Secondly, it is designed to function as a dynamic operational force, emphasizing its role in dealing with evolving challenges rather than being relegated to static duties. Additionally, the GSU serves as a reserve force, specifically tasked with managing special operations and civil disorders, offering crucial support when required. The functions of the GSU are diverse and integral to ensuring the security and stability of Kenya. Firstly, they are responsible for providing security to His Excellency the President and safeguarding state houses and lodges, ensuring the safety of the nation's leadership. Secondly, the GSU extends its security services to selected foreign airlines operating within the country, reinforcing international safety measures. Thirdly, the unit takes charge of protecting vital installations and strategic points, safeguarding critical infrastructure and assets from potential threats. Moreover, the GSU is equipped to handle situations involving civil disturbances and riotous mobs, employing appropriate measures to maintain order and protect citizens. In addition to their domestic responsibilities, the GSU actively engages in anti-poaching operations, helping preserve Kenya's natural heritage by combating illegal wildlife activities. The unit is also involved in escort duties, ensuring the safe transportation of valuable assets or personnel. The GSU plays a pivotal role in tackling banditry and cattle rustling, addressing security concerns in rural areas and safeguarding communities from armed criminal activities. Furthermore, the unit takes on the important responsibility of countering terrorism activities and insurgencies, working to prevent and mitigate potential threats to national security. ==Organization==

Structure The GSU is organised in Sub Units each hosting companies . Four of these Sub Units have commanding officers and they are regarded as the 'big four'. These are: • The Headquarters Sub Unit based at Ruaraka Nairobi • The National Police College Embakasi B Campus • The Recce Sub Unit based at Ruiru, • The (Presidential) Guard Sub Unit whose officers are solely charged with the duties of protecting the various state houses and lodges. Additionally there are 23 field companies have Officer Commanding (OC), and are listed in alphabetical order starting from 'A' company to 'Y' company. There is no 'O' company. Each company consists of three platoons and the company headquarters personnel. Originally a platoon consisted of 30 personnel but nowadays a platoon can have as many as 60 members. Commanders • S. G. Thompson (19 May 1961 – 17 July 1961) • S. G. Smith (27 July 1961 – 20 March 1963) • Mackenzie (21 March 1963 – 26 February 1964) • R. J. Angel (27 February 1964 – 17 April 1967) • B. M. Gethi (18 April 1967 – 1 September 1978) • P. Mbuthia (2 September 1978 – 24 August 1982) • E. K. Mbijiwe (25 August 1982 – 8 April 1987) • J. K. A. Kosgei (8 April 1987 – 9 March 1993) • C. C. Kimurgor (10 March 1993 – 29 June 1999) • S. K. Cheramboss (29 June 1999 – 30 August 2002) • D. M. Kimaiyo (1 September 2002 – 15 January 2003) • Lawrence Mwadime (16 January 2003 – 2 June 2005) • Mathew Iteere – (2 June 2005 – 8 September 2009) • William Saiya Aswenje (23 September 2009 – 20 March 2014) • Joel Kitili Mboya (20 March 2014 – 2 September 2015) • Stephen Chelimo (5 September 2015 – 7 July 2018) • Douglas K. Kanja (8 July 2018- 12 April 2023) • Eliud K. Lagat • Ranson Lolmodooni (CURRENT COMMANDANT) Personnel Originally, GSU members were drawn from the existing ranks of the Kenyan Police force, were from a number of ethnic backgrounds, and were trained in the Kenya Police College and placed on a two-year tour of duty. Most recently, all GSU members have been trained at the GSU-specific Training School in Embakasi and its Field Training Camp in Magadi, on 10-month-long courses, with further 5-month long courses required for promotion. ==Notes==