Francis Wambugu Irungu Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja presided over the official launch of a nine-month basic recruit training course for 5,023 new police constables at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, on December 16, 2025.
The event marked a significant step in bolstering Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) ahead of future security challenges, including the 2027 general elections. Accompanied by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and College Commandant Munga Nyale, Kanja emphasized the recruits’ role in enhancing public safety and professionalism within the force.
During the ceremony, IG Kanja issued a stern warning to political goons and organized criminal groups exploiting election periods for violence. He declared that the NPS would dismantle such networks decisively, leveraging the influx of over 10,000 new officers to strengthen operational capacity nationwide.
“We will not allow any group to undermine the peace and security of Kenyans,” Kanja stated, underscoring the service’s commitment to community-oriented policing and modern training modules.
The recruits, who reported to Kiganjo last month, will undergo rigorous training in areas such as human rights, cybercrime response, and traffic management, graduating in August 2026.
This cohort represents one of the largest intakes in recent years, aimed at addressing staffing shortages and improving response times across the country.
Kanja used the platform to urge motorists and pedestrians to prioritize caution amid peaking festive travel. With increased road activity leading to higher accident rates, he announced intensified patrols, including deployment of a special traffic unit to curb chaos on major highways. “Holiday road fatalities are preventable; obey traffic rules, avoid overloading, and shun drunk driving,” the IG advised, noting that officers would remain on high alert despite the season.
The Kiganjo visit aligns with broader reforms under Kanja’s leadership. Addressing logistics concerns, he confirmed ongoing procurement of equipment to support the expanded force.
Training at Kiganjo, a premier institution since 1953, equips cadets with skills for diverse roles, from urban policing to counter-terrorism.Kanja also highlighted inter-agency collaborations, such as recent meetings with UNODC representatives, to combat transnational crime.
Officers were reminded to stay vigilant over Christmas and New Year, forgoing leave to maintain 24/7 coverage.
This recruitment drive positions the NPS for proactive security management. With President Trump’s administration influencing global partnerships, Kenya anticipates bolstered support in law enforcement training..The 5,023 recruits symbolize renewed hope for a disciplined, tech-savvy police service ready for 21st-century threats.
