The National Police Service (NPS), marked the International Human Solidarity Day with a call for inclusivity, officer welfare, and shared responsibility in addressing challenges faced by the service. The event, held over two days and culminating in a gathering of officers and stakeholders, underscored the NPS’s commitment to enhancing the lives of its personnel, particularly those living with disabilities and those impacted in the line of duty.
The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja who presided over the event was joined by senior leadership including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat (Kenya Police Service), DIG Gilbert Masengeli (National Police Service), representatives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), National Police Service Commission, and disability mainstreaming partners, highlighted the significance of unity and collective action in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Today, we join the rest of the world in observing the International Human Solidarity Day, a day recognized by the United Nations to emphasize cooperation, shared responsibility, and the need to ensure dignity and equality for all,” said IG Kanja. He reiterated that the NPS remains committed to reducing inequalities and addressing the needs of disadvantaged officers, including those with disabilities.
IG Kanja emphasized that the welfare of officers is a cornerstone of the recently launched National Police Service Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The roadmap includes a robust program for professional counselling, psychosocial support, and capacity-building for officers nationwide. The Directorate of Chaplaincy and Counselling, alongside external partners, continues to spearhead initiatives that tackle mental health challenges within the service.
Highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships, IG Kanja thanked institutions like the Disability Mainstreaming Foundation and African International University for supporting the service through training programs focused on mental health. Notably, partnerships with the Kenya Insurance Corporation have provided assistive and mobility devices to officers injured in the line of duty.
“This year alone, we have recorded 830 officers injured while serving, with many others losing their lives,” IG Kanja noted, adding that collective action is vital to ensuring these officers receive the support they need to continue contributing to national service.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Boniface Mutua, a serving officer who was paralyzed following a 2019 incident, shared his personal story. Mutua, currently attached to the NPS media office, recounted his recovery journey, acknowledging the support of the service in facilitating his rehabilitation and professional growth.
“I have been provided with a wheelchair for mobility and trained in counselling psychology, which has equipped me to cope with my condition and support others,” ASP Mutua said. He paid tribute to fellow officers injured alongside him and recognized the instrumental role of the disability mainstreaming team within the Administration Police Service.
IG Kanja echoed ASP Mutua’s sentiments, reaffirming the NPS’s inclusive approach: “No one should be left behind. Our officers living with disabilities have valuable contributions to make. It is our responsibility to ensure they have equal access to opportunities so they can serve the people of Kenya in their full capacity.”
Addressing the long-standing issue of police welfare, IG Kanja placed significant emphasis on affordable housing for officers. He noted that housing remains a critical element in improving service delivery and the overall wellbeing of police personnel.
“Personally, I want our officers to be accommodated in the stations where they serve. This will improve their living conditions and ensure they can deliver services more effectively,” he stated.
To accelerate the affordable housing program, the IG announced the creation of a dedicated office within his department, tasked with coordinating with the Ministry of Housing. This office will identify land for construction and ensure that police officers benefit fully from the government’s ongoing affordable housing agenda.
The IG reiterated the NPS’s vision to transform police stations into centres of excellence for operations and service delivery. “The welfare of our officers remains at the heart of our strategic plan. Their housing, career progression, psychosocial support, and overall wellbeing are vital for achieving our mission,” he affirmed.
The event showcased the NPS’s unwavering commitment to building a supportive, inclusive, and professional environment where all officers, regardless of their challenges, can thrive.
As the NPS moves forward with its strategic plan and partnerships, the emphasis on solidarity, inclusivity, and welfare promises a brighter future for Kenya’s police officers andthe communities they serve.