Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit will be operational by May 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance security within the capital.
Murkomen made the announcement on Friday following a meeting with the technical committee tasked with overseeing the formation and rollout of the unit.
He said the initiative is progressing in line with directives issued by President William Ruto.
“In line with President William Ruto’s directive and the cooperation agreement between the National Government and Nairobi City County, we are committed to establishing the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit by May 1,” Murkomen said.
The new unit is designed to bolster security in Nairobi by improving coordination within the police service and enhancing responsiveness to crime in the densely populated city.
Authorities say it will play a critical role in making the capital safer for residents, visitors, and investors.
According to Murkomen, the technical committee briefed him on the unit’s proposed structure, command framework, and rollout strategy, outlining milestones achieved so far and the steps ahead.
Discussions during the meeting focused on improving coordination among security agencies, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring the unit operates within the framework of the National Police Service.
“The Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit marks a significant step toward a more responsive, efficient, and accountable policing system, one ultimately aimed at enhancing safety and security for all residents,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Internal Security Principal Administrative Secretary Jacob Narengo, Internal Security Secretary Administration Thomas Saka, and National Police Service Director of Reforms John Kamau, among other senior officials.
President Ruto had in February directed authorities to operationalize the unit within 60 days as part of a broader cooperation agreement between the national government and Nairobi County.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja outlined how the agreement would be implemented, highlighting a Sh80 billion investment package aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges in the city.
He said the largest allocation, approximately Sh33 billion, will go toward sewerage and sanitation infrastructure.
“The investment will fund the construction of two parallel 27-kilometre trunk sewer lines along the Nairobi River corridor, a new sewer treatment plant capable of processing 60,000 cubic litres of wastewater daily, and expanded last-mile sewer connections to households,” Sakaja explained.
An additional Sh15 billion has been set aside for long-term sewer expansion, targeting improved drainage and environmental restoration.
Sakaja further noted that Sh8.7 billion will be invested in roads, bridges, and drainage systems to ease mobility and mitigate flooding.
“Energy and lighting infrastructure will receive Sh8.5 billion, including Sh3.7 billion for the installation of 50,000 new street lights across Nairobi,” he said.
The plan also allocates Sh5.1 billion to water sector improvements, including upgrades at the Ng’ethu Water Treatment Plant and development of the Gigiri–Shauri Moyo water corridor.
Solid waste management will receive Sh6 billion to strengthen collection and disposal systems.
Sakaja said the agreement is expected to accelerate the Nairobi Rising agenda, improving service delivery, modernizing infrastructure, and driving economic growth in the capital.