Inspector-General Douglas Kanja Kirocho has established a new specialized police unit to provide security and operational support to government administrators across the country.
The National Government Administration Police Unit was officially created through legal notice published December 24, marking a significant expansion of law enforcement support for civil administration.
“The Inspector-General establishes the National Government Administration Police Unit,” the gazette notice states, granting the new formation a wide-ranging mandate that extends from regional headquarters to grassroots ward offices.
The unit will tackle diverse responsibilities including protecting government officers, supporting policy enforcement, and serving as first responders in their jurisdictions. Officers will also play a crucial role in community peacekeeping efforts.
Key functions include providing “protective security to government officers within the respective administrative units” and supporting “national government administrative officers in the execution of conflict management and peacebuilding initiatives,” according to the official orders.
The new unit will collaborate with other security agencies during public gatherings and coordinate responses to incidents requiring joint operational efforts.
A notable feature of the orders is the requirement for immediate inter-agency cooperation.
“The Ward or Division Unit Officer in the respective ward or division shall provide such assistance without undue delay or reservation,” the document specifies when describing support to administrative officers requesting help.
The provision works reciprocally, police stations must also “provide such assistance without undue delay or reservation” when unit officers need backup.
The unit operates through a clear command chain aligned with Kenya’s administrative structure.
Regional, county, sub-county, ward, and divisional officers will each report to their respective Administration Police Service commanders.
“The Commandant of the Unit shall be responsible to the Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service,” the orders state, establishing direct accountability to top police leadership.
All personnel will operate “in accordance with the laws, regulations and career progression guidelines of the National Police Service,” ensuring standardized professional conduct across the force.
The orders, signed by IG Kirocho on December 23, take immediate effect across all 47 counties.
