Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has pledged a renewed war on corruption within the ranks of the National Police Service (NPS), calling for professionalism, discipline, and ethical leadership from senior officers.
Speaking during the National Police Service Senior Commanders’ Conference held at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County, Kanja urged commanders to lead by example and restore public confidence in the police.
“The public does not regard us highly when it comes to graft,” he acknowledged. “That must change. You must uphold the highest standards of integrity and discipline in all public interactions. Policing is a service to the people, not an imposition of authority.”
The high-level meeting brought together senior police commanders from across the country to deliberate on the NPS Reform Agenda, discuss contemporary security challenges, and enhance strategies for better service delivery.
Kanja emphasized the importance of implementing the National Police Service Strategic Plan 2023–2027, urging commanders to turn policy into practice by promoting community-centered policing, accountability, and continuous learning.
“As senior commanders, you are the face of the Police Service. You have a duty to build partnerships with community leaders, foster trust, and ensure that every police station becomes a centre of professionalism and responsiveness,” he said.
The Inspector General also highlighted ongoing and upcoming reform initiatives, including the recruitment of 10,000 new police officers, improved welfare and mental wellness programs, gender mainstreaming, culture change, and impartial personnel deployment.
“Your leadership must inspire officers to embrace best practices and modern policing standards,” Kanja stated. “Let us transform our stations into hubs of excellence and make Kenya a safer nation for all.”
Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who also addressed the gathering, called out rogue police officers for interfering with the work of legal practitioners and urged the IG to enforce accountability.
“We sought the IG’s intervention to end interference with advocates’ work and push for the incorporation of legal and ethical standards in police training,” said Odhiambo.
She affirmed LSK’s readiness to support police training and sensitization programs and revive pro-community initiatives such as gender desks in police stations.
“This engagement is key to securing the legal space and preventing violations against our members as they serve the public,” Odhiambo added.
Quoting the late President Mwai Kibaki, IG Kanja added, “Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. Let us be guided by this principle in all we do.”