DIALOGUE ON POLICE REFORMS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PEOPLE-CENTRED POLICING HELD AT NPLA, NGONG

The National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, led by its Chairperson, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, and the National Police Service, led by the Inspector General, Mr. Douglas Kanja, held a highly engaging and productive dialogue on police reforms, accountability, and people-centered policing on, 28th October 2025, at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong. The dialogue, themed “Supporting Accountable, Effective and People-Centred Policing in Kenya,” focused on fostering mutual understanding between the National Police Service and the committee regarding police reform priorities. It aimed to build a shared approach to accountability and reinforce a whole-of-government strategy for reforming the police to ensure better service delivery and public trust.

While delivering his speech, Mr. Tongoyo observed that, based on the deliberations held by the UNDP last year, there has been progress in supporting police reforms and in transforming the National Police Service into an efficient, effective, and accountable security service. He noted that the National Assembly has appropriated Kshs. 127 billion, an increase from Kshs. 116 billion in the last financial year, to the National Police Service to be utilized for the police reforms. The Inspector-General (IG), for his part, acknowledged the steadfast partnership and support of development partners, particularly the UNDP, in advancing institutional reforms and strengthening police leadership and professionalism within the National Police Service.

He thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security for their continued engagement and commitment to matters of security and police transformation. Additionally, he noted that the role of Parliament in police reforms cannot be overstated. Through its legislative, oversight, and budgetary functions, the committee provides the policy and resource frameworks that enable the Service to fulfill its constitutional mandate effectively.

Mr. Kanja observed that the Service has made notable progress on the reforms. Across the country, the Service continues to enhance training, improve facilities, and deploy modern policing tools. It has also developed a deeper focus on gender responsiveness, human rights compliance, and community engagement as key drivers of reform. He concluded by reaffirming the Service's commitment to building a Police Service that Kenyans can trust, respect and be proud of; a Service anchored on integrity, and professionalism.

Present at the meeting were the Committee's Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Col (Rtd) Dido Ali Rasso; members of the committee, Hon. Mburu Kahangara, Hon. Francis Kipyegon Arap Segei, Hon. Sarah Paulata Korere, Hon. Edward Kaunya, and Hon. Joshua Owuor Aduma; a representative from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Mr. Kepha Onyiso; and a UNDP representative, Ms. Elvi Agunda.

Also present were the Commandant of the NPLA, Mr. Kainga Mathiu, AIG; the Director of Training, Mr. Philip Opiyo, AIG; the Director of Reforms, Mr. John Kamau, AIG; the Director of Planning, Mr. Richard Lesasuiyan, AIG; the Director of Corporate Communications/Spokesperson, Mr. Muchiri Nyaga, AIG; the Deputy Director of Legal, Mr. Charles Otiende, CP; and other senior officers.