The National Police Service (NPS) has introduced a comprehensive restructuring of its command and operational framework, following the publication of the National Police Service Standing (Amendment) Orders, 2026. These reforms, formalized in Legal Notice No. 138 published in the Kenya Gazette on July 30, 2026, aim to enhance policing coordination, accountability, and operational effectiveness across Kenya.

Issued by Inspector General Douglas Kanja under the National Police Service Act, the updated Standing Orders replace the previous 2017 framework, establishing new protocols for the organisation, command, and deployment of units within the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

New Specialized Police Units

  • Nairobi Metropolitan Police: Focused on policing the Nairobi metropolitan region.
  • Judiciary Police Unit: Provides security for judicial institutions and personnel.
  • Government Vehicle Check Unit: Enhances enforcement related to government vehicles.
  • Quick Response Unit: Strengthens emergency response capabilities.
  • Kenya Police Marine Unit: Boosts maritime security.
  • Other units targeting strategic sectors such as Border Police, Critical Infrastructure, Energy, Mining, Water, and Anti-Stock Theft.

Expanded Role for Administration Police Service

The Administration Police Service has been restructured to include formations such as Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection, Rapid Deployment, Border Police, and units focused on critical infrastructure, energy, mining, water, and anti-stock theft. The Deputy Inspector General overseeing APS will manage deployment and command structures in consultation with the Inspector General, issuing standing orders to guide operations.

Strengthening Investigative Capacity in DCI

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations now comprises several specialized bureaus, including the Forensic Laboratory, Counter-Terrorism Bureau, National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau, and units focused on crime research, intelligence, and investigations at airports, railways, and ports. The DCI Director has enhanced authority to organize investigative commands and units based on operational needs.

Enhanced Administrative Powers for Inspector General

The reforms grant the Inspector General broader administrative powers to establish, merge, or reorganize police formations and resolve conflicts between units through binding directives. All units must operate in compliance with the Constitution, the National Police Service Act, and other relevant laws.

Part of Ongoing Police Reforms

This restructuring is part of ongoing efforts to modernize Kenya's police service, improve inter-agency coordination, and respond effectively to emerging security challenges. The introduction of specialized units is expected to improve rapid response, safeguard critical infrastructure, and enhance national security.