How to Become a Member of the Feared Recce Squad: Kenya's Elite Presidential Protection Unit

The Recce Squad forms an integral part of Kenya’s General Service Unit (GSU), which falls under the National Police Service (NPS). This team is tasked with ensuring protection for the President, State House, along with various key governmental facilities.

It also offers protection allowing selection of foreign airlines and so forth Strategic locations throughout the nation.

Other functions include r Regulating unruly crowds and civil unrest, as well as combating terrorism and hostage rescue.

The Recce Squad is also engaged in h High-risk arrests and missions, along with supporting the police or military during national emergencies or terrorist threats, are part of their responsibilities.

The team safeguards prominent figures and collects information. And takes action based on intelligence for delicate operations.

People who want to become part of the Recce Squad need to enroll in the NPS.

They ought to submit their applications through official police recruitment drives announced by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).

Applicants will go through a medical examination, a physical fitness test, and written examinations.

Several criteria must be met for police recruitment; these include being a Kenyan citizen, within the age range of 18-30 years old, physically fit and healthy, and having no prior criminal history.

Trainees must also achieve at least a D+ grade in the KCSE exam, including a minimum of D+ in either Kiswahili or English.

Also Read: New Police Recruitment System Launched to Update Procedures

Selection into Recce Squad

Following their initial training, recruits have the option to apply for the GSU.

The top officers are chosen to become part of the Recce Squad.

The selection process is both covert and highly competitive.

The Recce Squad members then continue their training at either the Magadi Field Training Center, Solio Ranch, or Ruiru College.

The chosen ones typically excel both theoretically and in practical field skills.

Following their selection, they go through a seven-month specialized military training program designed by Israel.

It includes safeguarding important individuals, managing and setting off explosive devices, securing critical facilities, counterterrorism efforts, close-quarters fighting, communication skills, emergency medical treatment, air marshalling instruction, and conducting hostage recovery missions.

They additionally receive sophisticated paramilitary training in both 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) — The CRT wing is primarily trained in the USA.

This unit remains ready to step in whenever the police find themselves unable to handle violent scenarios.

Here is the group that reacted to the terrorist incidents at Westgate Mall and Garissa.

3.Rendition Operations Team (ROT) – This unit works covertly throughout Kenya.

It manages delicate security tasks and has been assigned to safeguard areas when prominent global officials visit.

Here is the squad assigned to ensure safety during the visits of US Vice President Joe Biden and subsequently President Barack Obama to Kenya.

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