KIGANJO, Kenya – The United States has launched a $7 million (Sh930 million) initiative to support the modernisation and professionalisation of the Kenya Police Service, with a focus on strengthening police training and capabilities.
The initiative was launched on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Police Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, as the US Embassy reaffirmed its support for efforts to build a modern and effective police service.
The United States said professional policing is essential to protecting citizens and creating a secure environment for businesses operating in Kenya.
“We believe well-trained officers can best protect and serve their fellow citizens. Safety is vital for Kenyan and American businesses operating here,” the embassy said.
The embassy said the need for professional policing informed its decision to support Kenya’s efforts to modernise the police service.
“This is why we are proud to launch a $7 million (Sh930 million) initiative today at the Police Training College in Kiganjo to support Kenya’s pursuit of a modern, professional, and effective police service,” it added.
Ruto calls for professional policing
The announcement coincided with a Passing-out Parade for newly trained police recruits, where President William Ruto congratulated the officers on completing their training.
Ruto also commended their instructors and commanders for preparing them for the responsibilities of law enforcement, while thanking parents, guardians and families for supporting the recruits throughout their training.
“To our new law-enforcement officers, I congratulate you on successfully completing your training,” Ruto said.
The President said the police have a responsibility to protect citizens from crime and disorder while ensuring that their powers are exercised within the law.
“The police must protect citizens from crime, violence, intimidation, and disorder. At the same time, the authority of the police must be exercised lawfully, professionally and with respect to the life and dignity of every person,” he said.
Security must protect citizens’ freedoms
Ruto said effective policing should create an environment where Kenyans can work, travel, express their opinions and participate in political activities without fear or intimidation.
He described security as a condition that should allow citizens to conduct their daily lives safely while exercising their constitutional rights.
“A secure country is one in which a mother can walk home without fear; a trader can conduct business without intimidation; a family can sleep without anxiety; and a citizen can express an opinion, attend a political meeting, and cast a vote without coercion,” Ruto said.
The President’s remarks come as Kenya continues to face demands for police reforms, accountability and greater professionalism in the security sector.
US initiative targets modern police service
The $7 million programme is expected to contribute to Kenya’s efforts to strengthen the capabilities of its police officers and modernise policing practices.
The US Embassy said well-trained officers are critical not only to public safety but also to maintaining a secure operating environment for businesses.
The initiative at Kiganjo signals continued US-Kenya cooperation in the security sector, particularly in strengthening professional policing and preparing officers to respond to changing security threats.
Ruto warns of sophisticated crime
Ruto said the nature of crime is changing rapidly, requiring security agencies to acquire new skills and improve cooperation.
He identified cybercrime, financial fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, organised crime and technology-enabled violence among the threats requiring stronger capabilities.
“Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated. Cybercrime, financial fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, organised crime and technology-enabled violence demand new capabilities, stronger intelligence, and deeper cooperation among security agencies,” he said.
He argued that modern policing must therefore go beyond traditional approaches and focus increasingly on intelligence, prevention, technology and inter-agency cooperation.
Success should not be measured by arrests alone
The President also said the effectiveness of the police should not be judged simply by the number of suspects arrested.
Instead, he said modern policing should be evaluated by its ability to prevent crime, protect lives and build public confidence.
“Modern policing cannot be measured only by the number of suspects arrested. It must also be measured by the crimes prevented, the lives protected, the confidence created and the safety citizens experience,” Ruto said.
