NPS To Use Advanced Technologies Like Drones In New Strategic Plan

NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has unveiled the National Police Service (NPS) Strategic Plan 2023-2027, a roadmap that places technology and professionalism at the core of Kenya’s policing reforms to tackle emerging security challenges.

Speaking during the launch at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, Nairobi, President Ruto emphasized the role of innovation in modern policing.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, many offences are enabled by technology. Our ability to detect, deter, and investigate these threats depends on operating effectively in a high-tech environment,” he said.

Key to the strategic plan is integrating advanced technologies like drones for border security, enhancing cybersecurity under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and improving surveillance through the Integrated Communication, Command, and Control Centre (IC3).

These measures aim to combat increasingly sophisticated crimes while improving coordination across security agencies.

Welfare and Professionalism

In addition to technological upgrades, the strategy prioritizes police welfare, an issue long seen as critical to improving service delivery and officer morale.

The implementation of 271 reforms recommended by the Maraga Taskforce includes better working conditions, enhanced training, and modernized facilities, such as the operationalization of NPS hospitals in Mbagathi and Kanyonyoo.

The plan also seeks to address systemic concerns like corruption and public mistrust.

Strengthened oversight mechanisms—including collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission—will ensure accountability and professionalism in policing.

“Let integrity, courtesy, efficiency, and professionalism become synonymous with our police service,” the President urged.

Modernization Efforts

Major infrastructure and logistical investments are outlined in the plan, including deploying Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to volatile regions like the North Rift, North-Eastern, and Upper Eastern, as well as completing the DCI National Forensic Laboratory.

Additionally, construction of 28,000 housing units will address longstanding accommodation challenges for both the police and the Kenya Prison Service.

The President underscored that effective execution is critical.

“A strategy that fails to achieve its mission is an organizational failure. This plan is a call to action to transform the NPS into a trusted, professional, and efficient institution,” he said.

Fighting Corruption and Building Trust

President Ruto reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption within the police service.

He emphasized the need to shift away from practices like bribery and extrajudicial actions that have historically damaged the NPS’s credibility.

“The resources entrusted to you must be used efficiently and fully accounted for. We must end the culture of extortion and impunity, replacing it with a service-driven approach that inspires public confidence,” Ruto said.