A new policing model that gives residents a greater role in shaping security is set to be introduced in Nairobi after President William Ruto announced that the Nairobi Metropolitan Policing Framework will begin rolling out in the coming days.
The President said the framework is expected to transform how security is managed across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area by creating closer cooperation between communities, the National Police Service, Nairobi City County and other partners in identifying security concerns and finding practical solutions at the local level.
Ruto made the announcement after receiving a briefing at State House on Tuesday on the progress made in establishing the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU). The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, the National Police Service and the Nairobi County Government.
"I am pleased with the progress made on the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police, an initiative that will place communities at the centre of policing," the President said.
He said the new framework is aimed at creating stronger partnerships between the public and law enforcement agencies through consultation, public participation and better oversight, allowing residents to play a more active role in improving security.
According to Ruto, the framework will also provide a unified approach to policing by improving coordination among security agencies while making policing more accountable and community-driven across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
"The rollout of the Nairobi Metropolitan Policing Framework will commence in the coming days, laying the foundation for a more coordinated, accountable and community-led approach to policing across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area," he said.
The President said the initiative is expected to strengthen public safety while helping build confidence between communities and law enforcement officers.
"Together, we will strengthen public safety, deepen trust between communities and law enforcement, and build safer and more secure neighbourhoods for all," Ruto said.
Those who attended the State House briefing included Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, his deputies, the Director of Criminal Investigations and other senior National Police Service commanders.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and officials from the county government were also present, highlighting the joint effort between the national and county governments in implementing the new policing framework.
The Nairobi Metropolitan Police initiative is expected to improve cooperation among security agencies while giving communities a stronger voice in identifying and responding to security challenges within their neighbourhoods.
The government has previously said the framework will support intelligence-led policing, improve accountability and strengthen engagement between residents and law enforcement officers.
The model is informed by lessons from benchmarking visits undertaken by Murkomen, Sakaja and senior National Police Service officers to metropolitan police services in New York, London, Rome and Tokyo.
During the visits, the delegation studied intelligence-led policing, community policing, technology, emergency response systems and urban crime management to guide the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
The rollout is part of ongoing government efforts to improve security in Nairobi and neighbouring counties through a policing model that encourages public participation and shared responsibility in keeping communities safe.