The Senate has officially given the green light to the nomination of Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General (IG) of Police, a role that places him at the helm of Kenya’s National Police Service. This announcement, made by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi during the mid-morning session on Tuesday, marks a significant development in the country's law enforcement leadership.
"Pursuant to Article 2A, Section 12 of the National Police Service Act, Section 8 of the Public Appointments and Parliamentary Approval Act, the Senate approved the nomination of Mr. Douglas Kanja for the appointment to the position of Inspector General of Police," Kingi stated in his official announcement.
Kanja’s Path to IG Role
The approval comes shortly after Kanja underwent a vetting process conducted by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, as well as the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations. During his vetting on August 15, Kanja made clear his vision for reforming the National Police Service (NPS), focusing on combating the deeply ingrained issues of corruption and banditry.
"I am highly experienced and exposed in many areas. You will be getting a highly experienced Inspector General who will protect you day and night," Kanja confidently stated during the parliamentary session.
Among his top priorities is tackling cattle rustling, an issue that has been commercialized and proven difficult to control. Kanja emphasized the need for technology-driven solutions to trace stolen livestock, further stressing the importance of strengthening multi-agency collaborations to effectively fight banditry.
A Veteran Law Enforcer
Kanja’s approval for the IG role follows his nomination by President William Ruto on July 25, a move widely regarded as a recognition of his long-standing dedication to law enforcement. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Kanja’s appointment represents the culmination of years of service and extensive security-related training both locally and internationally.
"In accordance with Article 245 (2) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President has nominated Douglas Kanja Kirocho for appointment as the Inspector-General of the National Police Service," Ruto declared in his statement. He praised Kanja for his experience and commitment, noting that Kanja’s track record made him the perfect candidate to lead the police force at a critical time for national security.
A Leadership Change
Kanja steps into the role after the resignation of former IG Japhet Koome, who left the position in July 2024. Koome’s departure created a leadership vacuum that Kanja is now set to fill, with expectations running high for his promise of significant reforms within the NPS.
As the newly appointed IG, Kanja will be tasked with overseeing key reforms aimed at bolstering the efficiency of the police service, reducing corruption, and enhancing security across the nation. His leadership will also be crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime and security threats that continue to affect various regions in Kenya.
