Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has introduced five new police units as part of a major reorganization of the National Police Service (NPS) under the newly gazetted National Police Service Standing (Amendment) Orders, 2026.
The changes, published in Legal Notice No. 138 in the Kenya Gazette on July 30, are part of ongoing efforts to reform the National Police Service, strengthen its organizational structure and improve operational efficiency.
The new standing orders establish the following five units within the National Police Service:
- Nairobi Metropolitan Police,
- The Judiciary Police Unit,
- The Quick Response Unit
- The Kenya Police Marine
- The Government Vehicle Check Unit
In a statement, the National Police Service said the new organizational structure is intended to improve efficiency, coordination, accountability and operational effectiveness across the Service.
“The National Police Service has introduced a new organizational structure following the publication of the National Police Service Standing (Amendment) Orders, 2026. The changes form part of ongoing police reforms aimed at reorganizing the Service to improve efficiency, coordination, accountability and operational effectiveness,” stated NPS in a statement.
Also Read: Sakaja Reshuffles Nairobi County Chief Officers in Govt Reorganization
Inspector-General Granted Wider Police Reorganization Powers
The new standing orders also expand the powers of the Inspector-General in managing the National Police Service.
Under the amendments, the Inspector-General will organize the Service into formations, units and components at the national level. No formation, unit or component may be established, varied or abolished without the Inspector-General’s approval.
The regulations also authorize the Inspector-General to issue written directives to the Deputy Inspectors-General and the Director of Criminal Investigations to integrate, merge or reorganize formations, units, bureaus, investigative commands and other components whenever necessary.
In addition, the Inspector-General has been empowered to issue written directions to resolve conflicts involving the mandates of different police formations, units, bureaus or investigative commands.
Also Read: Murkomen Reshuffles Regional and County Commissioners in Major Shake-Up
New Standing Orders Replace 2017 Rules
The amendments repeal Chapter 7 of the National Police Service Standing Orders, 2017, replacing it with a new framework governing the organization and management of police formations, units and components.
The new regulations require all police formations, units, bureaus, investigative commands and components to carry out their duties in accordance with the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and other applicable laws.
According to the National Police Service, the reforms are designed to create a more responsive, accountable and well-coordinated police service capable of addressing evolving security challenges across the country.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
