Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for a new police transfer policy aimed at ensuring officers serve across the country fairly, rather than remaining in one station indefinitely.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Nairobi, Murkomen said balanced deployment would improve morale in the service and enhance security delivery.
“All police officers must serve the country equally. No one should be punished by being left in one challenging area forever,” he emphasized.
The CS noted that some officers have remained in Nairobi for more than five years, making them part of the security challenges the city faces. He proposed a clear policy where officers would serve between three and five years in a station before being transferred.
Murkomen highlighted the situation in North Eastern Kenya, where some officers have been stationed for up to ten years in difficult operational areas. He described this as unfair and vowed that the new transfer framework would ensure equitable service across all regions.
Tackling Crime in Nairobi
Murkomen also raised alarm over the rising threat of criminal gangs in Nairobi, pledging reforms to strengthen security. Plans include decentralising security management, expanding administrative units, and making community policing more proactive.
He said Nairobi’s status as East Africa’s financial hub demands innovative strategies to counter unique security challenges. “This is a world capital… it requires constant vigilance,” he noted.
The CS also met Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, where they discussed joint efforts to improve security, protect public infrastructure, and enhance transport management. Murkomen praised Sakaja’s Dishi na County feeding programme, saying it keeps children in school and reduces juvenile crime.
Accompanied by Inspector General Douglas Kanja and senior police officials, Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Nairobi a safer and more livable city through strong national and county collaboration.
