Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has unveiled a new command structure within the National Police Service following the creation of the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU).
The changes are contained in Legal Notice No. 201, published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement dated December 24, 2025.
According to the gazette notice, the unit will provide security to government officers during lawful operations, public functions, and public gatherings.
It will also assist in the enforcement of national government laws and regulations, often working alongside other state agencies.
The new unit is established under Chapter 3A of the Standing Orders and is placed within the Administration Police Service (AP).
The notice amends the National Police Service Standing Orders, 2025, under powers granted by the National Police Service Act.
Kanja Unveils New Police Unit
The unit is further tasked with responding to offences, preserving exhibits, and acting as the first responder when crimes are reported during operations involving national government officers.
It will also support peacebuilding and conflict management initiatives led by administrative officers.
The command structure places overall leadership under a Commandant, who will report directly to the Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service.
The Commandant will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the unit and for advising on matters requiring police support to national government offices and agencies.
Below the Commandant, Regional Unit Officers will oversee the unit’s operations at the regional level.
They will be responsible for supervision and ensuring efficiency in their respective regions.
At the county level, County Unit Officers will take charge of operations and report to County Administration Police Service Commanders.
Their role will be to ensure effective delivery of services and coordination within counties.
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Sub-county operations will be handled by Sub-county Unit Officers, who will report to Sub-county Administration Police Service Commanders.
At the grassroots level, Ward or Division Unit Officers will operate under Sub-county command and oversee unit activities within wards and divisions.
Outlined Duties for Officers
The gazette notice outlines clear duties for officers during operations.
All operations must be recorded in the Occurrence Book.
After any arrest or recovery of exhibits, details must be entered into the Occurrence Book, and exhibits handed over to the Officer-in-Charge of the police station without delay.
Officers-in-Charge of police stations are required to provide assistance when requested by the unit, without unnecessary delay or reservation.
The notice also states that ward and division officers will be responsible for all police operations in their areas, including crime prevention, detection, and arrest of offenders.
Disciplinary matters within the unit will be handled under existing Standing Orders and must comply with Article 47 of the Constitution.
Records, reports, and returns will be kept and submitted in line with NPS regulations.
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The notice further provides that officers in the unit will be issued with uniforms and equipment according to the approved dress code.
They will also be entitled to allowances as determined by the NPS.
Implications for Administration and Security
The creation of the unit is expected to formalise long-standing police support to national government administration officers, including chiefs, assistant chiefs, and other field officers.
For years, such officers have relied on ad hoc police deployments during enforcement operations, barazas, and conflict situations.
The new structure creates a dedicated chain of command to support these duties. By placing NGAPU within the Administration Police Service, the Standing Orders provide clarity on who deploys officers, who supervises them, and how accountability is enforced.
The move is also intended to reduce command confusion during joint operations and ensure faster response during security incidents involving government administration officers at the local level.
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