The command structure of the proposed Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit has been unveiled, paving the way for the operationalisation of the specialised security formation that will oversee policing across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
The new formation will be headed by a Commandant reporting to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, a structure that the government says aligns with the Constitution while strengthening coordination of security operations across the capital.
The unveiling follows a review of proposals on the establishment of the unit after questions emerged over its command structure. During benchmarking visits by Kenyan officials, it was noted that similar metropolitan police formations in some countries report to local mayors, prompting further consultations to ensure Kenya's model complies with the Constitution.
The review delayed the rollout of the unit, which had initially been expected to be unveiled in July.
Former Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Tom Odero has been appointed to lead the new formation.
During a high-level briefing at State House, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo, Inspector General Douglas Kanja and members of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police technical team, presented a progress report on the operationalisation of the unit.
President William Ruto directed that the proposed structure should maintain the constitutional command and control of the National Police Service while strengthening regional coordination within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
"The Constitution provides for the Inspector General of the National Police Service to establish a specialised police formation under the existing framework of Formed Units," President Ruto said.
He added that the proposed structure should "maintain the constitutional command and control of the National Police Service while strengthening regional coordination within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area."
Under the organisational structure, Kamukunji Police Station has been identified as the proposed headquarters of the unit. It will host an Integrated Command and Communication Centre (IC4) to coordinate operations in real time, as well as a Multi-Agency Liaison Office to improve collaboration between national and county security agencies.
Operational command will flow through Sub-Region Commanders and Sub-County Commanders, supported by metropolitan police stations, police posts and patrol bases to strengthen police presence and enable faster response to incidents across Nairobi.
The new formation will also include specialised units responsible for Diplomatic Security, Public Safety, Enforcement, Traffic, Investigations, and Security and Patrol operations.
According to the government, the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit was proposed following a comprehensive assessment of Nairobi's urban security landscape, which identified the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, greater use of modern technology, enhanced accountability and closer community engagement to address increasingly complex security challenges.
The assessment also found that the city requires a more integrated policing framework capable of protecting businesses, managing traffic, safeguarding critical infrastructure, supporting emergency response and maintaining public order.
The government says the new unit is expected to strengthen public confidence in policing while supporting Nairobi's growth as a regional commercial, financial and diplomatic hub through a modern policing model designed to respond to the city's evolving security needs.