The National Police Service (NPS) has taken a major step in strengthening police reforms and accountability after holding a high-level Strategic Leadership Dialogue at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong on Wednesday, 20th August 2025.
The forum brought together top security officials, development partners, and senior commanders, with discussions centred on reforms, digitisation, people-centred policing, and strategies to enhance accountability within the Service.
PS Omollo Commits to Deepening Reforms
The Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, who presided over the event alongside Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, expressed his gratitude to the NPS for partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in convening the dialogue.
He assured the police leadership of the government’s unwavering support towards the transformation agenda, highlighting ongoing policy reforms that will redefine policing in Kenya.
“The Ministry remains fully committed to ensuring the transformation of the National Police Service through legislation, training, digitisation, community policing initiatives, and regular audit and performance reviews,” said Dr. Omollo.
According to the PS, the reforms are not only geared towards enhancing service delivery but also towards bridging the gap between the police and members of the public by fostering trust, accountability, and professionalism.
IG Kanja: Dialogue Aligned to NPS Strategic Plan
Inspector General Douglas Kanja noted that the dialogue was convened under the theme “Supporting Accountable, Effective, and People-Centred Policing in Kenya.”
He emphasized that the initiative aligns perfectly with the NPS Strategic Plan (2023–2027), which envisions the Service becoming a professional, efficient, and responsive institution.
“This dialogue builds on the momentum we achieved from the roundtable with development partners at the Kenya School of Government. Through collaboration with UNDP, we have not only secured resources but also technical expertise and a platform for knowledge exchange,” said IG Kanja.
The police boss added that the ongoing transformation agenda seeks to turn police stations and other service areas into centres of excellence, where citizens can access responsive and accountable policing services.
UNDP Reaffirms Commitment to Police Reforms
Representing the Acting UNDP Resident Representative to Kenya, Ms. Madelena Monoja, the UNDP Team Leader for the Program Management Support Unit (PMSU), Ms. Wambui Gathathi, reiterated UNDP’s commitment to supporting police reforms.
She said that the ongoing partnership with the NPS highlights a shared vision of enhancing policing standards, deepening reforms, and rebuilding public trust in law enforcement institutions.
“UNDP will continue to support collaborative initiatives such as executive police reform dialogues, engagements with key parliamentary committees, youth liaison programmes, and training of Sub-County Police Commanders,” Ms. Gathathi affirmed.
Key Officials in Attendance
The dialogue was attended by top-ranking officials in the security sector, including:
- Ms. Bernice Lemedeket, Secretary Administration and Accounting Officer for NPS.
- Mr. Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service.
- Mr. Mohamed I. Amin, Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
- Mr. Davis Lomwatu, Commandant of the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus.
- Senior Assistant Inspectors General (SAIGs).
- Directors from police headquarters, formation commanders, and regional commanders.
- Officials from UNDP.
Their collective presence underscored the importance of the dialogue in shaping the future of policing in Kenya.
Why the Dialogue Matters
The Strategic Leadership Dialogue is part of a wider effort to enhance accountability, effectiveness, and inclusivity in policing. By involving development partners like UNDP, the National Police Service gains access to critical resources and expertise that help fast-track reforms.
Key issues discussed included:
- People-centred policing: Enhancing community trust and cooperation with law enforcement.
- Accountability frameworks: Strengthening oversight and review mechanisms within the Service.
- Digitisation: Leveraging technology for crime prevention, investigations, and performance monitoring.
- Training and capacity building: Upgrading the skills of officers to meet modern policing demands.
The dialogue also builds on Kenya’s broader security sector reforms, which aim to balance robust law enforcement with respect for human rights and democratic governance.
A Step Towards Public-Centred Policing
Kenya’s policing system has faced calls for greater transparency and accountability over the years. Forums like the Ngong leadership dialogue signal a fresh attempt to reshape the culture of policing from being force-centred to being people-centred.
With government commitment, international partnerships, and leadership from the Inspector General’s office, the NPS is positioning itself to meet the expectations of citizens while adapting to emerging security threats.
As the reforms gain momentum, the dialogue is expected to set the stage for a more professional, trusted, and citizen-friendly police service, ultimately boosting public confidence and strengthening national security.
