NAIROBI, Kenya—The National Police Service (NPS) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election, with senior police commanders reviewing security plans as Inspector General Douglas Kanja briefed senators on measures to ensure peaceful and secure polls.
The preparations include a high-level Senior Police Commanders’ Election Security Preparedness Sensitization Meeting at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, bringing together regional and formation commanders to assess operational readiness and emerging security threats.
The meeting focuses on strengthening coordination, intelligence-led deployments and timely responses to potential security incidents ahead of the elections.
The initiative comes as the police service develops strategies to maintain public order, protect citizens’ rights and provide a secure environment for the electoral process.
IG Kanja Outlines Election Security Measures to Senators
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, Kanja appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The session, chaired by Senator Mohammed Said Chute, focused on the NPS’s preparedness for the 2027 General Election, including its operational plans, security strategies and lessons drawn from previous electoral processes.
Kanja outlined a timeline of planned activities and responded to questions and requests for clarification from committee members.
He said the service would rely on intelligence-led preventive policing, professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights while maintaining strict political neutrality.
The Inspector General also warned against organised criminal gangs, political goons, online incitement and the spread of misinformation, saying the service would take firm action against threats to electoral security.
Police Plan Specialised Training and Multi-Agency Coordination
Kanja said the NPS would implement its Election Preparedness Work Plan, which prioritises maintaining law and order, strategic security deployments and prompt criminal investigations.
The service is also conducting specialised training for officers ahead of the polls and strengthening coordination with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to address criminal networks and emerging threats.
The Senate committee included Vice Chairperson James Lomenen Ekomwa, Consolata Wakwabubi, Joseph Githuku Kamau, Godfrey Atieno Osotsi and Daniel Maanzo.
Kanja was accompanied by Administration Police Service Director of Security Operations Jackson Kangani and his personal assistant, James Murithi.
The ongoing preparations signal an early focus on electoral security, with the effectiveness of the plans likely to depend on professional policing, accountability, political neutrality and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights throughout the election period.
