Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has unveiled four new specialised police units as part of wide-ranging reforms intended to strengthen the National Police Service (NPS) and improve its operational efficiency.
The changes are contained in the National Police Service Standing (Amendment) Orders, 2026, published through Legal Notice No. 138 in the Kenya Gazette on July 30.
The newly created units are:
- Judiciary Police Unit
- Quick Response Unit
- Kenya Police Marine Unit
- Government Vehicle Check Unit
According to the National Police Service, the restructuring is part of broader institutional reforms designed to improve coordination, accountability and service delivery across the country’s policing system.
“The new organisational structure reflects ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, strengthening coordination and improving operational effectiveness within the National Police Service,” the Service said.
Inspector-General granted expanded authority
The revised Standing Orders also significantly expand the powers of the Inspector-General in managing the National Police Service.
Under the new framework, the Inspector-General has the authority to establish, merge, reorganise, vary or abolish police formations, specialised units and other operational components at the national level.
The regulations further empower the office to issue written directives to the Deputy Inspectors-General and the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on the restructuring or integration of police formations, investigative commands, bureaus and specialised units whenever operational needs arise.
In addition, the Inspector-General can issue binding directives to resolve jurisdictional disputes involving overlapping responsibilities among police units and investigative agencies.
New governance structure replaces 2017 framework
The amendments repeal Chapter Seven of the National Police Service Standing Orders, 2017, replacing it with a revised governance framework governing the establishment, administration and management of police formations and specialised units.
Under the updated regulations, all police units, commands, bureaus and formations will be required to operate in accordance with the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and other relevant laws.
Reforms aimed at improving policing
The National Police Service said the restructuring is intended to create a more responsive and better-coordinated institution capable of addressing emerging security threats and improving service delivery to the public.
Officials said the reforms are expected to strengthen operational capacity, improve accountability within the Service and enhance coordination among specialised police units as the government continues implementing broader security sector reforms.
