Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja addressing the commanders during a high-level security summit at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ng'ong on June 16, 2026/ NPS X
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered a fresh crackdown on criminal gangs across the country, warning senior commanders against operational negligence as the National Police Service responds to changing crime patterns.
Kanja issued the directive on Tuesday during a high-level security summit at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ng'ong that brought together top commanders from the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The meeting reviewed the current security situation, analysed emerging crime trends and explored strategic interventions aimed at strengthening national security.
Addressing the commanders, Kanja commended security officers for their efforts in tackling evolving threats but cautioned that changing crime patterns require more adaptive and efficient policing approaches.
He challenged commanders to develop strategies that maximise available resources while maintaining law and order across the country.
The Inspector-General also issued a stern warning over the resurgence of criminal gangs and directed officers to take immediate action against the groups.
Kanja further ordered what the service described as immediate and decisive action to combat gang-related crime across the country.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over shifting criminal activities and the emergence of new security threats requiring specialised responses from law enforcement agencies.
The Inspector-General reaffirmed the National Police Service's commitment to public safety, saying security remains critical to social and economic development.
According to the police service, maintaining law and order is essential in creating a secure environment for residents, visitors and businesses.
The security summit brought together senior officers drawn from various specialised units within the National Police Service.
Kanja was accompanied by Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin.
Among the senior officers who attended were Director of Operations APS Jackson Kangani, Director of Logistics KPS Peter Ndung’u, Head of the Investigations Bureau Francis Ndiema and Commandant of the NPS Airwing James Kabo.
Others included Director of Community Policing Judy Lamet, Director of Forensic Services at the DCI Sospeter Munyi, Commandant of NPC “A” Campus Isaac Alimaa and Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit Joseph Limo.
Also present were Commandant of the Border Patrol Unit Davis Lomwatu, KPS Director of Reforms William Yiampoy, Commandant of the Rapid Deployment Unit Godfrey Otunge, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, National Police Leadership Academy Commandant David Kainga Mathiu and other senior officers from across the security sector.
The service said the meeting reflected the police service's continued focus on strengthening coordination among security agencies as they respond to evolving crime trends and emerging threats.
Kanja said the National Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all people in the country.
His remarks come as security agencies continue to review operational strategies amid changing crime patterns and growing demands for effective policing.
