Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has officially opened a four-day training for Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs) aimed at enhancing professionalism and service delivery in the National Police Service (NPS).
The forum, taking place at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, has brought together 225 OCSs from across the country to deliberate on police station administration, discipline, operational preparedness, community engagement, and improved service to the public.
In his opening address, Kanja reminded the commanders of their constitutional mandate, citing Article 244(a) of the Constitution, which requires the police to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline. He challenged the OCSs to embrace the conference theme, “Transforming Police Stations into Centres of Excellence and Service Delivery.”
“You are the face, voice, and moral compass of the service; the transformation of police stations begins with your leadership,” Kanja said, urging the officers to treat members of the public with respect and civility.
The Inspector General emphasized that effective leadership at the station level is crucial in building public trust, describing police stations as the most critical point of contact between law enforcement and citizens. He called on the OCSs to invest in their own growth and become better managers capable of driving reforms from the ground up.
At the same time, Kanja issued a stern warning against misconduct, making it clear that his office will not tolerate any commander who falls short of the standards outlined in the NPS Act, Standing Orders, and the Constitution. “Respect for human rights is non-negotiable. Advise your personnel to carry out their duties with proper consideration for the law,” he cautioned.
The training, which is designed to build leadership capacity within the Service, also underscores the importance of community engagement in effective policing.
Senior officers present at the event included Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, Director of Training and Research David Birech, NPS Director of Training Philip Opiyo, Director of Corporate Communications Muchiri Nyaga, and Commandant of the NPLA David Kainga Mathiu.
