The National Police Service (NPS) has expanded its organisational framework by introducing several specialised units to enhance operational efficiency and address emerging security challenges.
Key formations established include the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU), Judiciary Police Unit, Kenya Police Quick Response Unit, and the Kenya Police Marine Unit. These units are designed to strengthen coordination and improve service delivery across the country.
New Command Structure
The NMPU will be led by a Commandant who reports directly to the Deputy Inspector General overseeing the Kenya Police Service. Supporting the Commandant is a Deputy Commandant responsible for managing the Integrated Command Centre, Sub-Regional Commanders, and a Multi-Agency Liaison Office.
Sub-Regional Commanders will oversee specialised units such as the Diplomatic Unit, Public Safety Unit, Enforcement Unit, Traffic Unit, Investigations Bureau, and Security and Patrol Unit, each with defined operational roles.
Administration Police Service and Other Units
The Judiciary Police Unit, Water Police Unit, Kenya Police Marine Unit, and the National Government Administration Unit are now under the Administration Police Service, reflecting a realignment aimed at improving coordination.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations Restructuring
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also been reorganised into 10 investigative commands, each responsible for specific forensic and investigative functions. These include:
- Investigations Bureau
- Operations Bureau
- National Police Service Forensics Laboratory
- Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau
- Counter Terrorism Bureau
- Kenya Railways and Ports Criminal Investigations
- Homicide Investigations Bureau
- National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau
- Interpol-National Central Bureau
- Kenya Airports Criminal Investigations Bureau
The SOPs allow for the creation, merger, or integration of specialised units within these commands to ensure operational effectiveness.
Governance and Oversight
All operational guidelines and SOPs for formations and units require written approval from the Inspector General of Police. In cases of mandate conflicts between units, the Inspector General will provide direct resolutions.
The deputy Inspector Generals, in consultation with the Inspector General, determine the deployment and command structure within their services.
Significance of the Reforms
These changes mark a significant shift towards modernising policing in Kenya, aiming to close gaps in specialised services and improve public safety outcomes.
