NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has announced plans to operationalise a Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit by May 1, in a move aimed at strengthening security management in the capital.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the formation of the unit follows a directive from President William Ruto and is anchored on a cooperation framework between the national government and the Nairobi City County Government.
Murkomen said the specialised unit is designed to respond to the unique security demands of a rapidly growing urban centre, positioning Nairobi as a safer destination for residents, businesses, and investors.
“The unit, which is critical in managing the security of a high population metropolis, is aimed at making the city safer for residents, visitors and investors,” he said after convening a technical committee meeting to assess progress on its establishment.
The meeting brought together senior security officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Internal Security Principal Administrative Secretary Jacob Narengo, Secretary of Administration Thomas Saka, and National Police Service Director of Reforms John Kamau.
The planned unit is expected to operate under the National Police Service and will focus on coordinated urban policing, intelligence-led operations, and rapid response to crime in the Nairobi metropolitan area.
Analysts say the initiative reflects growing pressure on law enforcement agencies to adapt to urbanisation, population density, and evolving security threats in major cities.
Nairobi, as Kenya’s economic hub, has faced persistent challenges including traffic-related crime, organised gangs, and sporadic insecurity in informal settlements, raising calls for a more specialised policing approach.
The move also aligns with ongoing police reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery within the National Police Service.
Under Article 244 of the Constitution, the police are required to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights—principles that will be closely watched as the new unit takes shape.
