NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has unveiled far-reaching security and administrative reforms following the release of the Jukwaa la Usalama report, a nationwide audit of policing, community administration and service delivery conducted between April and October 2025.
The report — compiled after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen toured all 47 counties — highlights widespread security challenges, drug proliferation, administrative gaps and longstanding welfare concerns among security officers.
Speaking at State House, where all Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs were invited for the first time in Kenya’s history, CS Murkomen said the reforms respond directly to concerns raised by citizens and frontline officers.
“Upon my appointment, the President instructed me to listen to Wananchi and those serving them. The Jukwaa la Usalama report captures the true picture of the security and service-delivery situation across the country,” Murkomen said.
Following the briefing, President Ruto issued 13 major directives aimed at overhauling policing, strengthening grassroots administration and improving officer welfare.
Major Security Directives
1. Crackdown on drug abuse:
The Anti-Narcotics Unit will be expanded from 160 to 500 officers, with 34 new offices established nationwide. The President will also convene a meeting with governors to streamline liquor-licensing. Every county will be required to set up at least one rehabilitation centre.
2. Digital transformation for police and NGAOs:
All promotions, transfers and training will be digitalized. Chiefs will receive tablets within six months to file real-time reports.
3. Infrastructure expansion:
Government will construct 900 new police stations in two years, jointly funded by the Interior Ministry, NG-CDF and the Affordable Housing Programme.
4. Administrative rollout:
Twenty-four new sub-counties, 88 divisions, 318 locations and 675 sub-locations will be operationalised within a year.
5. New housing for officers:
A total of 17,500 housing units for police and prison officers will be built within one year.
6. Promotions:
All Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs trained this year will be promoted by June 1, 2026. Police constables aged 50 and above will also be promoted, with additional guidelines to follow for other ranks.
7. New transfer rules:
Officers will not be transferred within one year of a previous posting, and those over 50 will be moved closer to home. No officer will serve more than three years in operational areas.
8. Mobility boost:
The government will procure 3,000 vehicles, with priority on electric models to cut fuel costs and enhance environmental sustainability.
9. Expanded civil registration:
Civil registration centres will increase from 174 to 400 in six months, ensuring every sub-county has at least one registry.
10. Correctional reforms:
A Correctional Services Bill and a Probation Services Bill will be developed within four months. All inmates will be registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
11. Recognition of elders:
Village Administrative Elders will start receiving a monthly stipend of KSh 3,000 beginning June 1, 2026.
12. Operationalisation of NGAPU:
The National Government Administration Police Unit will kick off with 1,860 officers, with numbers increasing progressively.
13. Increased allocations:
Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs will receive an additional KSh 15,000 AIE every quarter, with adjustments for other cadres pending Treasury consultations.
Murkomen praised the President for backing what he termed the most comprehensive security and administrative reform package in recent years.
“Our utmost appreciation to the President for supporting the process from the beginning and committing to resource the far-reaching reforms needed to boost security and revamp service delivery,” he said.
