Police training at Kiganjo is set for a major facelift after President William Ruto launched construction of new facilities aimed at giving officers better preparation for the demands of modern policing.
Ruto on Friday, August 28, 2026, broke ground for the Chief Physical Training Instructor Grounds at the National Police College (NPC) Main Campus in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, in a project supported by the United States and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The development is part of wider efforts to improve police training through better infrastructure, equipment and professional standards within the National Police Service.
The project comes at a time when the college is preparing to host the passing-out parade for a new group of police recruits who have completed their training and are expected to begin their duties in the service.
US details areas to benefit
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Susan M. Burns, Chargé d’Affaires and head of mission at the US Embassy in Kenya, said the project would help Kenya develop a police service capable of dealing with the changing nature of crime and security threats.
She pointed to terrorism, human and wildlife trafficking and the need to keep children and communities safe as some of the issues modern police officers must be prepared to handle.
“We succeed when we face these challenges together,” Burns said, underscoring the importance of cooperation between Kenya and the United States in strengthening security.
According to Burns, the initiative was born from discussions between the two countries on ways the US could assist Kenya in improving professionalism within the police service.
“This project is the result of many conversations about how the United States could contribute to Kenya plans to enhance professionalism in the police service and thereby promote public safety and citizen trust and confidence in the police,” she said.
She said the programme would focus on improving the knowledge of officers, building the capacity of instructors and managing talent within the police training system.
“We ensure police officers have the skills and knowledge necessary to address the challenges of modern policing,” she said.
College facilities to be refurbished
Beyond the new physical training grounds, Burns said the project would help improve several existing facilities at the National Police College.
The library, shooting range and physical training infrastructure are among the areas set to benefit from refurbishment under the initiative.
The improvements will provide trainees with more suitable areas for classroom instruction and practical exercises.
“This will all provide appropriate space for class and field training to maximize learning opportunities for all course trainees,” Burns said.
The programme will also bring modern equipment to Kiganjo for use by police officers and students undergoing training.
Burns said the equipment would help trainees acquire the practical skills needed to carry out their responsibilities effectively once they join the service.
“Students will be better prepared to perform their duties with professionalism and effectiveness that the citizens of Kenya deserve,” she said.
The support will not be limited to the National Police College, with selected criminal justice institutions and academies also expected to benefit from the programme.
Burns said this would be achieved by sharing curricula and training practices developed at Kiganjo with other institutions.
“Finally, this project will extend the benefits here at Kiganjo to select criminal justice institutions and academies through sharing of curriculum and practices,” Burns said.
Security partnership to support development
Burns thanked the National Police Service for working closely with the US on the initiative and recognised UNODC for its role as the project's implementing partner.
She said a strong security system was necessary for the country to pursue economic growth and protect democratic institutions.
“Security really enables economic development. It protects democratic institutions and allows our young people to dream big and reach beyond,” she said.
Burns said the relationship between Kenya and the US was not restricted to security cooperation, describing the two countries as partners with shared interests and goals.
“That’s why the United States remains committed to Kenya not just as security allies, but as equal stakeholders in a shared future,” she said.
She added that the partnership was based on “respect, mutual interest, and shared goals”.
“Because when Kenya is more secure, so are we,” Burns said.
Recruits set for passing-out ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony was held as preparations continued for the passing-out parade of police recruits who have completed their basic training at Kiganjo.
The ceremony will signal the end of their training and their formal entry into the National Police Service.
Upon deployment, the new officers will be expected to protect lives and property, maintain law and order and observe the Constitution in carrying out their duties.
The improvements being introduced at Kiganjo are expected to give the college additional capacity to train police officers while creating a better environment for classroom, field and physical training.
The project is also expected to strengthen the institution's role in developing officers who are better equipped, professionally prepared and capable of responding to the changing demands of police work.