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Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has vowed to dismantle organised goon groups as part of security preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking in Nyeri, Kanja said security agencies are taking firm steps to deal with criminal elements often blamed for sparking violence during political campaigns. He also assured the public that security will be tightened during the festive season.
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Kanja said addressing the problem of goons is a personal priority, noting that the recruitment of new officers will significantly boost capacity. He revealed that 10,000 additional officers will be deployed within the next nine months to reinforce the existing force and strengthen the fight against insecurity.
He added that all security agencies are on heightened alert over the holiday period, with officers recalled from leave to ensure public safety during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The IG made the remarks while presiding over the launch of a nine-month training programme for National Police Service recruits at the National Police College main campus in Kiganjo. The college currently has 5,023 recruits—3,833 men and 1,190 women—who are expected to complete their training in August 2026.
Kanja said the recruits are joining the service at a time of major reforms within the NPS aimed at rebuilding public trust and improving service delivery. He urged them to uphold professionalism and embrace the ongoing changes.
He noted that the police service will also be equipped with modern resources, including 3,000 new vehicles to enhance mobility. He said President William Ruto has approved the procurement as a priority to strengthen security operations at police stations and posts nationwide.
On road safety, Kanja said the government will enforce strict compliance with traffic laws, particularly during the festive season. He expressed concern over the recent spike in road accidents, some of which have been fatal, and warned of action against reckless drivers.
Traffic enforcement measures will include instant fines issued by multi-agency teams involving the Judiciary, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other bodies. Mobile courts will be deployed along major highways to handle traffic offenders, with the initiative set to continue beyond the holiday period.
The measures follow a special sitting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, which approved steps to improve road safety during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Data presented at the meeting showed road deaths increased from 4,479 in 2024 to 4,682 in 2025. In the first two weeks of December alone, 28 people died in road accidents. Authorities say Kenya loses at least 4,000 lives to road crashes each year, with the World Health Organization warning that the true figure could be higher due to underreporting.
