Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS), Kipchumba Murkomen, has launched the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU) to support government agencies in the execution of administrative functions.
The establishment of the unit was informed by the Maraga Taskforce Report, which recommended the establishment of structures to ensure that the National Police Service supports the National Government Administration in the performance of its security functions through the deployment of general duty officers with clear command and reporting structures.
The new unit will support the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) in the management of security and execution of their duties and responsibilities in all the administrative units across the country.
The unit will also provide security to NGAO, assist the enforcement of national policies, laws, and regulations; provide security during high-risk operations like land disputes, regulatory enforcement, and campaigns against alcohol and drug abuse; and manage inter-communal conflicts.
NGAPU will join other specialised units under the Administration Police Service (APS). The commandant of the unit will report to the Deputy Inspector General in charge of APS.
“The work of this unit is cut out. There is an immediate need to support other security organs in confronting security challenges threatening law and order,” said CS Murkomen in Diani when he closed a week-long APS senior commanders’ conference themed under the theme “Transforming the Police to Meet Service Delivery Expectations”.
The CS also launched the Administration Police Service Roadmap to Service Delivery Revitalisation, 2025-2028.
The roadmap aims to enhance professionalism and accountability; strengthen operational preparedness and logistical capacity; promote public trust and confidence; improve the welfare and motivation of officers; and support government efforts in mitigating climate change.
APS was commended for investing in technology, infrastructure, equipment, and capacity as espoused in the four-year roadmap.
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, many offences and security threats are enabled by digital technology. The ability to detect, disrupt, deter, and investigate these threats depends on our capacity to operate effectively in a high-tech environment,” stated the Interior CS.
He assured APS of the government’s commitment to support the realisation of the transformative roadmap.
“I would also like to reassure you that we will work with your leadership to address issues around social welfare, training, better equipment, and other matters of concern to dignify your work,” said the CS.
He lauded the contribution of APS in silencing guns in the North Rift and other banditry-prone areas. It has also been instrumental in our fight against terrorism, stabilising disturbed areas, and securing the Kenya-Somalia border.
As part of reforms in the security sector, the CS announced that lower-cadre officers will this year get an additional ten per cent salary increment from the 20 per cent that was effected last year.
The police service will also receive 3,000 new vehicles this year to improve their working conditions. Over the next two years, Sh28 billion for the acquisition of state-of-the-art protective gear and armoured vehicles.
The Principal Secretary of Interior and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said that NGAPU will enhance community policing, improve relations, and ensure timely resolution of conflicts.
By Sadik Hassan
