President William Ruto has directed the Interior Ministry to develop a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit within 60 days, signalling a major shift in the capital’s security architecture.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday where he outlined details of the enhanced cooperation between the national government and Nairobi City County, the President said security remains central to the transformation of the capital into a modern, globally competitive metropolis.
“Security is non-negotiable for a modern capital like Nairobi. I therefore direct the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to prepare and present, within 60 days, a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit,” Ruto said.
“We will make Nairobi safe for citizens, visitors, investors, and businesses alike.”
The proposed Metropolitan Police Unit is expected to provide a specialised, coordinated security presence tailored to the unique demands of the capital, which hosts key government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organisations and major commercial hubs.
Ruto linked the security initiative to a broader intergovernmental partnership already underway between the national and county governments.
He cited the Nairobi River Regeneration Program as an example of ongoing collaboration, describing it as a Sh50 billion initiative aimed at transforming riverine settlements through housing, sanitation, public spaces and environmental restoration.
According to the President, the program has also created employment for more than 45,000 young people.
“Our cooperation with the Nairobi City County Government is not beginning today,” Ruto said, noting that the new measures are designed to scale up existing efforts rather than introduce entirely new arrangements.
Ruto announced that the structured partnership will be backed by an initial quantified capital package of approximately Sh80 billion across priority sectors.
The investment is intended to address critical infrastructure and service delivery gaps in the capital, including street lighting, water supply, sanitation, waste management and urban mobility.
“Taken together, these enhanced cooperation measures will make Nairobi more livable, more secure, and more efficient,” Ruto said.
He added that the interventions would elevate the city’s stature and strengthen its competitiveness on the continental stage.
Ruto said the overarching goal is to position Nairobi as “a capital worthy of the Republic it serves — orderly, functional, competitive, and globally respected,” reflecting Kenya’s national ambition and inspiring confidence among both local and international stakeholders.
