February

The first police force was formed in the late 1880’s by the Imperial British East Africa Company to provide security for the Company’s premises and stores. The original force consisted of 300 men being recruited from the Punjab. Sikhs from regiments of The Punjab Rifles were sent to protect the railways as well as the caravan routes to the mainland.

The Sikh military contact and presence intensified with Sikh soldiers being brought to deal with the Kabaka’s uprising in 1898 in Uganda and other similar excursions. The 1st Battalion of the Uganda Rifles was created with 400 Swahilis and Nubians, 400 Punjabis, 200 Sikhs and 200 Muslims, all of whom were enlisted in India.

In 1898, George Farquhar, Superintendent of Police, lent by the Government of India, reorganized the Police Department. He supervised a European Superintendent, an Indian Superintendent, an Indian-Punjabi Inspector, a European Inspector, 39 Punjabi Officers and 259 Punjabi Constables. Swahilis and Nubians were enlisted as “Askaris”.

The men were provided with Indian designed khaki uniforms, including turbans or caps and boots.