The National Assembly has approved Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General of Police.
The nominee will now await formal appointment by President William Ruto.
Kanja, the career policeman who started from the bottom, also secured the Senate's green light to issue supreme commands to Kenya’s police service.
The joint committee of National Assembly Administration and Internal Security and Senate Internal Security, Defence and Foreign Relations earlier vetted and approved Kanja.
Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who chairs the Senate Internal Security and Defence Committee, moved the motion, which was unanimously endorsed by Senators on August 20.
President Ruto on July 25, nominated Kanja as the new Inspector General of Police.
Kanja was initially appointed acting IG after the resignation of Japhet Koome and was later nominated to the position.
This forced him to leave the position to Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, who has since then been the acting IGP.
Kanja brings a wealth of experience to the table, with a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. Beginning his journey in law enforcement in 1985, Kanja has steadily risen through the ranks.
Before his appointment, Kanja, 60, served as the commandant of the General Service Unit since 2018.
He was appointed DIG KPS in April 2023.
Kanja’s in tray is full and he is expected to hit the ground running.
