MOMBASA, Kenya – Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has appealed to Parliament to allocate more resources to the National Police Service (NPS), warning that inadequate funding hampers efforts to combat Kenya’s growing security challenges.
Speaking during the 3rd Leadership Retreat of the 13th Parliament in Mombasa, themed “Social Transformation through Institutional Comity,” Kanja said the police require greater manpower, enhanced training, and stronger logistical support to safeguard democracy and protect citizens.
“As head of the National Police Service, I am acutely aware of the enormous responsibility bestowed upon me by the Constitution and the people of Kenya,” Kanja told MPs and members of the Judiciary.
Push for more officers, training and technology
The IG noted that increased funding would enable the NPS to recruit more officers, conduct continuous training, and acquire essential equipment and vehicles.
He stressed the need to invest in modern technology to counter evolving crimes such as cybercrime, human trafficking, wildlife trophy trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering, and organ harvesting.
Call for cooperation among state organs
Kanja also emphasised the importance of institutional collaboration, urging Parliament, the Judiciary, and the Executive to strike a “progressive balance” in fulfilling their distinct mandates.
“While all arms of government have distinct roles, it is imperative to foster coexistence for the common good,” he said.
He further urged the Judiciary to ensure court orders remain “reasonable and aligned with public interest,” adding that the NPS remains committed to securing state officials, including MPs and judges, given the risks linked to their roles.
The Mombasa forum brought together top state officials, among them Chief Justice Martha Koome, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, NIS Director General Noordin Haji, DIG Eliud Lagat, and DCI Mohamed Amin, alongside judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court.
