Beatrice Kiraguri, popularly known as “Mama Yao,” is a Commissioner of Police in Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) and made history as the first County Police Commander of Nakuru.
She has risen through the police service from the lowest rank to one of the highest, starting her career as a police constable and steadily advancing through dedication and long service.
Beatrice Kiraguri Education
Beatrice Kiraguri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Security Studies from Egerton University.
She also earned a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Governance and Ethics, from Mount Kenya University.
In addition to her local education, she has received international training, including training for senior female officers on United Nations matters in Ethiopia and a management course in China.
The Kenya Police Service recognized her for her academic achievements and specialized training in China.
She has also been appointed as a Mental Wellness Ambassador by Chiromo Hospital Group.
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Beatice Karaguri Career
Beatrice Karaguri joined the NPS as a police constable. Her first job was in Garissa, where she worked for ten years in a difficult area affected by bandit attacks and security threats.
After that, she was transferred to Machakos. She later became a Base Commander in Kapsabet and Nakuru and also worked at Police Headquarters, handling public complaints.
She served in Nairobi, where she oversaw police accident duties and held senior positions in areas such as Kasarani.
Later in her career, she was appointed the first Officer Commanding of the newly created Oloitoktok Police Division.
Career Progression
Beatrice Kiraguri has risen through the following ranks:
- Police Constable
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Inspector
- Chief Inspector
- Superintendent
- Senior Superintendent of Police
- Commissioner of Police
She has served as Senior Superintendent of Police at Headquarters in Embu and as Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) in Athi River, Meru South, Gatanga, and Thika. She served as Sub-County Police Commander in Thika until February 2021.
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On 31 March 2021, she was appointed County Police Commander for Nakuru County, serving until 4 July 2022.
She was the first woman to hold this position and the first Police Commander of Nakuru City. She later served as Deputy Regional Police Commander in Nairobi and was appointed Welfare Officer of the Kenya Police Service by the Deputy Inspector General.
She is also the Team Manager of Kenya Police Bullets FC. Currently, she is the Officer in Charge of the Northern Corridor Transit Patrol Unit.
Karaguri Community Support and Social Impact
While serving in Nakuru County, she started the “Healing the Boot” sports program. Through football and, later, darts, the program helped police officers manage stress and improve their mental well-being.
It also brought police officers and members of the public together, helping to build better relationships.
Similar sports activities were later held in Gatanga and Thika. She also organized a meeting in Nakuru that brought together more than 300 school principals and head teachers to discuss school safety and fire prevention.
In Kisii County, she brought together fellow police officers and well-wishers to help a family that had been found sleeping under a table in a banana plantation. They built three houses for the family and provided beds, mattresses, blankets, and food for one month.
