Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has gazetted sweeping reforms to the National Police Service (NPS), introducing a new legal framework that significantly reorganises the structure, command and operations of police formations across Kenya.
The changes, published in a Special Issue of the Kenya Gazette on July 30, repeal Chapter Seven of the National Police Service Standing Orders and replace it with a new framework governing the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
IG Granted More Powers Over Police Formations
Under the new Standing Orders, the Inspector-General now has the authority to establish, merge or abolish police formations, units and components, provided the decisions are made in writing.
The amendments also require the IG to issue written directions whenever disputes arise over the functions of police formations, investigative commands or specialised units to enhance coordination across the service.
Additionally, all operational guidelines and standard operating procedures for police formations, bureaus, investigative commands and specialised units must receive the Inspector-General’s approval.
Kenya Police Service Structure Revised
The Kenya Police Service, led by Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat, will now comprise the following formations:
- General Service Unit (GSU)
- Kenya Police Traffic Unit
- Presidential Escort Unit (PEU)
- Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU)
- Kenya Railways and Ports Police Unit
- K9 Police Unit
- Nairobi Metropolitan Police
- Diplomatic Police Unit
- Tourist Police Unit
- Marine Police Unit
- Quick Response Unit
- Government Vehicle Check Unit
Administration Police Retains Specialised Units
The Administration Police Service, headed by Deputy Inspector-General Gilbert Masengeli, will continue operating through specialised formations, including:
- Border Police Unit (BPU)
- Anti-Stock Theft Police Unit (ASTU)
- Critical Infrastructure Police Unit (CIPU)
- Judiciary Police Unit
- Energy Police Unit
- Mining Police Unit
- Water Police Unit
- National Government Administration Police Unit
DCI Undergoes Major Restructuring
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), led by Director General Amin Mohamed, has also been reorganised.
The revamped investigative structure will include:
- Counter-Terrorism Bureau
- National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau
- Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau
- NPS Forensic Laboratory
- Kenya Airports Criminal Investigations
- Kenya Railways and Ports Criminal Investigations
The DCI has also been granted powers, in consultation with the Inspector-General, to establish command structures, deploy investigative formations and reorganise specialised units, sub-units, sections and desks to improve operational efficiency.
Police Training System Unified
The reforms further align all police training institutions under a unified National Police Service training system.
According to the government, all police formations will be required to operate under approved policies, operational guidelines and standard operating procedures aimed at improving professionalism, coordination and accountability.
The government says the reforms are designed to strengthen command structures, eliminate operational overlaps and enhance the overall management of police operations across the country.