Security Shakeup as IG Kanja Directs Promotion of 738 Police Officers

The National Police Service (NPS) Commission has approved the recommendations of 738 Police officers to different ranks.

In a statement issued by the Commission Chairperson, Eliud Kinuthia, on Thursday, March 13, the Commission announced that it was satisfied by the recommendations of those officers by the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the National Police Service for those officers to be promoted.

“During a Commission meeting held on 10th March 2025, the Commission received recommendations for promotion of Police Officers from the Inspector General, National Police Service in accordance with the Law. The Commission reviewed the extent to which the recommended Officers fulfill the requirements of promotion to the various ranks and was satisfied that the criteria was met,” read part of the statement.

According to the Commission, it arrived at its decision after the Inspector General assured the Commission that the process was competitive, transparent and had considered regional, ethnic, and gender balance in arriving at the preferred candidates in accordance with Article 10 and 232 on National Values and Principles of Governance and Public Service.

NPS Commission Approves Promotion of Police Officers

Further, the NPS Commission announced that the promotion of officers was distributed as follows within three categories of police officers — the Kenya Police Service, the Administration Police Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations — in the respective ranks as follows:

a) 14 officers – Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG)
b) 51 officers – Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG)
c) 135 officers – Commissioner of Police (CP)
d) 277 officers – Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
e) 261 officers – Superintendent of Police (SP)

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In addition, fifty (50) civilian staff members of the NPS in various cadres were promoted.

Commission to Gazette Officers for Promotion After Successful Completion of Courses

NPS previously declared on October 24, 2024, that it will elevate gazette officers in the ongoing interviews following their successful completion of the Senior Training Course (STC) and Higher Training Course (HTC). These are officers in the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). 

In October 2024, Commission Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia in  a press conference held at the Commission’s offices in CBK Pension Towers said that 183 officials at the time were being interviewed for promotions.

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He disclosed that the gazettement status of prior promotions of officers in the aforementioned category would also be examined by the commission.

“Once gazzetted, the promoted officers will take on greater responsibilities within the Service, potentially at or above the sub-county Command level. Their disciplinary proceedings will be conducted by a special committee of the Commission,” he said.

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