The National Police Service is preparing to deploy more officers as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election, with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warning newly trained Administration Police officers that their first duty must be to the law, citizens’ rights and professional conduct.
Kanja spoke on Friday during the 59th Administration Police Recruits Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, Nairobi, where he told the new officers that their training had prepared them to deal with both current and emerging security threats.
He said training remains at the centre of police reforms and is key to building a disciplined and professional service capable of responding to the country’s changing security needs.
“Training remains a very strong pillar in the ongoing police reforms. Through adequate training, we are transforming into a service that is highly competent, disciplined, and professional. A national police service that is ready not only to handle prevailing security challenges but also to counter emerging threats,” Kanja said.
The officers completed nine months of training covering physical, tactical and academic areas before being cleared to join the National Police Service.
Kanja said the training programme has continued to change to address gaps and ensure officers are equipped for the demands of their work.
“That is why we have consistently revised our training curricula to close gaps, refine priorities, and align with international best practices. Courtesy of these initiatives, I confirm that the recruits before you have been trained comprehensively. They have been tested consistently, and they are now looking to graduate and serve the country as members of the National Police Service,” he said.
The Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja, MGH, CBS, OGW (R), with Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, arriving at National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus ahead of recruits passing-out parade on September 4, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
The graduation comes as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace, placing the police service under pressure to provide security while protecting the rights of citizens and maintaining political neutrality.
Earlier this week, Kanja said about 5,000 Administration Police officers could be deployed alongside other security personnel for election-related security operations.
At the passing-out ceremony, he again reminded the new officers to learn from previous experiences and remain guided by the Constitution and other laws governing their work.
“Earlier this week, I had informed the recruits that their graduation was a timely boost to the ongoing security arrangements as the country approaches the election period. I once again urged the graduating officers to borrow from the past, in accordance with the principles enshrined in our Constitution and all the relevant regulations,” Kanja maintained.
He told the officers that their conduct in the field would be judged by their commitment to the rule of law, human rights and accountability.
“Their service must be anchored in the rule of law and respect for human rights, and it should be characterized by highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.”
The latest intake also adds to efforts to increase police numbers as the country continues to face growing security demands.
The 2026 Economic Survey recorded 101,650 National Police Service officers in 2025, including 86,565 men and 15,085 women. Of the total, 25,697 were Administration Police officers, while the Kenya Police Service had 68,493 officers and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations had 7,460.
The police-to-population ratio stood at one officer for every 525 civilians in 2025, compared with one officer for every 512 civilians in 2024.
Kanja also credited the government and development partners for supporting efforts to modernise the police service through specialised training, new equipment and better housing.
“In achieving this question, Your Excellency, I acknowledge the massive support we have received from the government of the Republic of Kenya, and also from our other development partners. In particular, the Administration Police Service has benefited a lot from specialized training programs, modern equipment, and improved housing facilities,” he said.
Police welfare has also remained part of the reform programme, with President William Ruto commissioning new police housing units at the Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in December 2025.
The government has said its wider housing programme targets 17,000 units for police officers across the country.
Kanja said the improved housing was meant to give officers and their families better and more decent living conditions.
“Besides the new barracks that you have unveiled this morning, Your Excellency, you also commissioned new police housing units at this very institution in December last year. The police housing projects that are now evident in many parts of our country continue to offer modern and decent homes for police officers and their families.”
As the new officers begin their careers, Kanja said the National Police Service would remain focused on providing policing that puts citizens at the centre.
“I renew our commitment to the NPS mission of providing effective, people-centric, and accountable policing services for a safe and secure society.”