NAIROBI, Kenya — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured Kenyans that the National Police Service (NPS) has intensified security operations nationwide ahead of the December festive season.
Speaking on Friday during a consultative meeting with regional commanders in South C, Nairobi, Kanja said security agencies are working closely to guarantee peace, safety, and order as millions prepare for holiday travel, shopping, and celebrations.
“We must, from time to time, come together to discuss and strategise because we must at all times remain a step ahead of criminals,” Kanja said, adding that coordination between regional police commanders, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will be key in preventing crime before it occurs.
The IG emphasised that modern policing requires intelligence-led operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and timely information sharing.
“When we all work together, we have intelligence-led operations, meaning everyone is contributing. We bring together all officers and agencies to ensure unity of purpose, and when we do that, we all succeed,” he said.
Kanja noted that the festive season often comes with heightened social activities, increased travel, and economic transactions — conditions that may lead to spikes in crimes such as theft, robbery, and alcohol-related offences.
To address this, police patrols have been stepped up in urban centres and rural areas to deter potential criminal activity.
He also issued a stern warning to those involved in the sale and production of illicit brews and narcotics, saying the NPS will sustain operations to dismantle networks dealing in harmful substances.
“All illicit brews, the ones commonly referred to as second-generation alcohol, and narcotic drugs are destroying our society,” he cautioned.
Kanja urged police officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights while enforcing the law. “We must remain vigilant and firm but also ensure that our operations respect the dignity of every Kenyan,” he said.
The assurance comes as authorities heighten surveillance across transport hubs, entertainment venues, and public spaces to prevent incidents that could mar the festive celebrations.
Security analysts have welcomed the move, noting that proactive policing and intelligence sharing will be critical in maintaining public safety as Kenyans enter one of the busiest periods of the year.
