Kenya’s police leadership has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja Kirocho calling for a fundamental shift towards community-centered policing.
Speaking at the National Police Leadership Academy during the Senior Commanders’ Conference, Kanja outlined a bold vision: “Crime prevention succeeds when officers and citizens work together.” His remarks signaled a departure from traditional enforcement models toward collaborative security solutions.
The high-level forum brought together Regional and County Commanders, Directorate Heads, and Formation Commanders to align strategies with the NPS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Central to discussions was transforming police stations into “centers of excellence” through:
– Enhanced resource allocation
– Modern policing techniques
– Gender mainstreaming initiatives
– Comprehensive officer welfare programs
Read more on:
EACC Cracks Down on Fake Certificates in High-Stakes Integrity Push.
“Policing is a service, not an imposition of authority,” Kanja emphasized, challenging commanders to inspire their teams through ethical leadership. The Inspector General particularly stressed mental health support for officers, recognizing the psychological demands of police work.
The conference became a hub for practical solutions, with commanders exchanging best practices on multi-agency cooperation and community engagement. Kanja set the tone by invoking former President Mwai Kibaki’s wisdom: “Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others.”
With Deputy Inspectors General and the Director of Criminal Investigations in attendance, the gathering demonstrated unified commitment to reform. Kanja left no doubt about the stakes: “Every interaction builds or erodes public trust.”
