Kigumo, Murang’a County – August 8, 2025: The National Police Service (NPS) marked a historic step in its ongoing mission to strengthen integrity, professionalism, and accountability within the force, as 32 newly deployed officers to the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) graduated from their Basic Induction Course at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA).
The colourful ceremony, held at the NPLA grounds in Loresho, celebrated not just the completion of an intensive training programme but also the birth of a new generation of officers tasked with ensuring accountability within the Service. These officers now step into their roles as the crucial watchdogs of internal police conduct, charged with safeguarding public trust in law enforcement.
Commandant Urges Officers to Uphold the Highest Standards
Presiding over the event on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, the Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) David K. Mathiu, commended the officers for their dedication throughout the course.
In his keynote address, Mr. Mathiu urged the graduates to serve with empathy, compassion, and unwavering professionalism. He reminded them that their new roles go beyond law enforcement—they carry the heavy responsibility of ensuring justice, transparency, and fairness within the Service itself.
“Your work will demand integrity, courage, and the ability to make decisions that may not always be popular but are necessary for the credibility of the National Police Service,” he told the graduates.
The Commandant also encouraged the officers to embrace emerging technologies in their investigative work, specifically citing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tools for addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). According to him, these technologies are essential for modern policing and will significantly enhance the IAU’s ability to detect, investigate, and prevent misconduct and crime.
A Training Designed for Accountability and Justice
The Basic Induction Course was tailored to equip the officers with skills to conduct thorough, timely, and impartial investigations into allegations of misconduct within the police ranks.
Sponsored by the International Justice Mission (IJM), the training placed strong emphasis on investigative integrity, victim-centred approaches, and adherence to the rule of law. Officers were trained to balance investigative efficiency with the need for procedural fairness, ensuring that disciplinary measures and legal processes are carried out without prejudice or corruption.
The IAU serves as the internal oversight body of the NPS, tasked with investigating complaints against police officers. By deploying 32 newly trained officers, the Service aims to reinforce public trust, curb impunity, and promote a culture of transparency.
Speaking on behalf of IJM, Ms. Naomi Maina, the organisation’s Technical Lead for Police Partnerships, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the NPS in strengthening Kenya’s justice system. She stressed that accountability and justice go hand in hand and that IJM would continue working with the police to build a system that delivers fairness to all citizens.
Why the Internal Affairs Unit Matters
The Internal Affairs Unit plays a pivotal role in holding police officers accountable for their actions. In a country where public perception of law enforcement can be influenced by reports of misconduct, the IAU’s role in conducting independent investigations ensures that justice is served both internally and externally.
These officers are expected to handle sensitive cases involving excessive use of force, corruption, abuse of office, and other breaches of conduct. The presence of a well-trained IAU is a reassurance to citizens that the NPS is serious about reform and accountability.
Technology at the Heart of Modern Policing
One of the most notable themes of the closing ceremony was the emphasis on technology-driven policing. The Commandant’s call for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence reflects a global shift towards using tech-based solutions to improve efficiency in investigations.
AI tools can help analyse large volumes of data, identify patterns of misconduct, and even predict high-risk situations. Similarly, by addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, the NPS recognises the growing challenge of online harassment, cyberstalking, and the misuse of digital platforms to commit crimes, especially against women and vulnerable groups.
Dignitaries and Stakeholders in Attendance
The ceremony drew an impressive list of dignitaries, showcasing the importance of the event to both the NPS and its partners. Those present included:
- Ms. Mildred Odima, CP – IAU Head of Human Capital Management
- Dr. David Muthondeki, CP – Deputy Commandant, NPLA
- Ms. Sicily Gatiti, CP – NPLA Dean of Studies
- Mr. Geoffrey Kathurima, CP – NPLA Director, Planning, Research & Development
- Ms. Naomi Maina – Technical Lead, Police Partnerships, IJM
- Senior officers from various NPS departments
The collective presence of these senior leaders underscored the significance of investing in internal oversight and professional development.
A Partnership for a Stronger Justice System
The collaboration between the National Police Service and the International Justice Mission is part of a broader effort to strengthen rule of law and human rights protection in Kenya. By providing technical and financial support for the IAU training, IJM is helping to build an environment where citizens can have greater confidence in the impartiality and competence of their police service.
Ms. Maina highlighted that public trust is the lifeblood of policing, and without it, law enforcement cannot function effectively. “Our shared vision is to see a Kenya where every citizen—regardless of status—can expect fair and just treatment from the police,” she said.
The Road Ahead for the Graduates
As the 32 officers return to their posts within the Internal Affairs Unit, their mission is clear: protect the integrity of the Service by ensuring accountability from within. This will mean dealing with difficult cases, confronting entrenched behaviours, and upholding the values of justice and fairness at all times.
Their work will be closely watched, not only by their superiors but also by the public and civil society organisations committed to police reform. Success for these officers will be measured in terms of increased public confidence, reduced misconduct cases, and a demonstrable commitment to the NPS Code of Conduct.
A Step Towards Police Transformation in Kenya
This graduation is more than just the end of a training programme—it is part of a wider transformation journey within the National Police Service. By empowering the Internal Affairs Unit with highly trained personnel, the NPS is sending a clear message: misconduct will not be tolerated, and accountability is not optional.
