President William Ruto has nominated Douglas Kanja as the next Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS).
It was notified that following the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), President Ruto has begun instituting changes affecting the top command of the NPS.
“In accordance with Article 245 (2) of the Consitution, His Excellency the President has nominated Mr Douglas Kanja Kirocho for appointment as the Inspector General of the National Police Service,” a statement to newsrooms by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei read in part.
According to Ruto, Douglas Kanja, an Acting IG, boasts a stellar career spanning nearly 40 years in law enforcement, a period which saw him rise through the ranks to the top command of the service.
Douglas Kanja, named acting Inspector General of Police. /NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE
Before his current 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, Â 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.Â
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.
Kanja is set to be vetted by both the National Assembly and the Senate. If his nomination is approved, he would replace Japhet Koome who stepped down two weeks ago.
In the same press release, the Head of State also appointed Eliud Langat to the position of Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service. Ruto also appointed Gilbert Masengeli as the new Deputy Inspector-General (Administration Police Service).
Immediate former Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome. /CAPITAL GROUP
