Kanja was on April 12, 2023, appointed as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service by President Ruto, with immediate effect.
In another headline-making event, President William Ruto on Friday, July 12 accepted the resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and appointed Douglas Kiricho Kanja as his replacement in an acting capacity.
State House Spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed revealed that Kanja was designated by the Head of State as the acting IG of Police pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of Koome’s official replacement.
“The Head of State has, in accordance with Section 16 of the National Police Service Act, designated Douglas Kanja, CBS the Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service as the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service,” the statement read in part.
Kanja was on April 12, 2023, appointed as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service by President Ruto, with immediate effect.
Douglas Kanja, named acting Inspector General of Police. /NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE
He was on a shortlist of 12 candidates for the position of Deputy IG, which included Former Police Spokesperson Bruno Shioso.
Kanja has had a distinguished career in the National Police Service (NPS), marked by several key positions and notable achievements. His extensive experience and leadership in various capacities had suited him well for his new role as the acting Inspector General.
Before his newfound role, Kanja’s role as the Deputy IG of Police saw him wield a powerful office which controls almost 70,000 personnel of the more than 100,000 officers under NPS. The other personnel are in the Administration Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The DIG KPS is in charge of all eight regional police commanders, 47 county commanders, formation commanders, Sub County Commanders, Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and all uniformed officers. He also controls the General Service Unit (GSU), Traffic Department and Kenya Police College in Kiganjo.
Kanja at the time of his appointment replaced Edward Mbugua who retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
He had served as commandant of the General Service Unit since 2018 and under his leadership, the GSU played a critical role in maintaining public order, responding to emergencies, and executing high-risk operations.
As per his profile described by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), Kanja also served in various capacities, including as the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), where he was instrumental in significant improvements in crime detection and prevention.
His strategic initiatives and hands-on approach contributed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the DCI.
Kanja was also the Commandant of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), where he led Kenya’s fight against terrorism. His leadership in this unit was pivotal in countering terrorist activities and ensuring national security.
He also worked as the Director of Operations at the National Police Service (NPS). Here, he coordinated nationwide police operations, streamlined procedures, and improved response times to incidents. His strategic planning and operational oversight were crucial in maintaining law and order.
He has also served in various parts of the country, including Nairobi, Coast, Eastern, and Rift Valley regions, meaning he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the diverse challenges faced by the police force in different areas
In Nairobi, he dealt with complex urban crime and security issues and in Coast, he addressed issues related to coastal security and the unique challenges posed by maritime crime;
In Eastern, Kanja’s service focused on rural policing and community engagement; and in Rift Valley, his experience included managing security during periods of political tension and unrest.
Douglas Kanja’s exemplary service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), one of Kenya’s highest honours.
