The Government of Kenya, together with some of the major tourist companies, launched a Tourist Police Unit(TPU) in 1992 to ensure the safety of both local and international visitors across the country.
The Unit is operated along the lines of those in place in Egypt, Jordan, and Thailand, with a highly trained force and a women’s group to deal with more sensitive cases.
Meanwhile, TPU works closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, General Service Unit (GSU), and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Through this partnership, police officers are seconded to support security operations in national parks, wildlife reserves, and other key tourist destinations.
Tourist Police Unit: How the Specialized Force Protects Local and International Visitors in Kenya
TPU performs several duties aimed at safeguarding visitors and maintaining order within the tourism sector. These include:
- Protecting the lives and property of tourists.
- Providing safety and security across tourist destinations.
- Handling enquiries, complaints, and claims from visitors.
- Investigating tourism-related crimes and prosecuting offenders.
- Patrolling beaches, hotels, streets, and other tourist circuits.
- Providing escorts to tourists when necessary.
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- Protecting tourists from harassment by illegal hawkers and beach operators.
- Enforcing local authority bylaws.
- Offering general guidance and advice to visitors.
- Assisting tourists during cultural festivals and events.
- Detecting and preventing overcharging in the tourism sector.
- Working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to address issues affecting the tourism industry.
Elsewhere, the unit has made notable achievements since its establishment, including a reduction in violent crime against tourists in Kenya.
TPU has also led to an increase in the number of visitors to major attractions because of its ability to ensure safety for tourists.
The unit has expanded its capabilities by training officers in foreign languages and offering tourism sensitisation courses to improve interactions with international visitors.
Additionally, the establishment of more Tourist Police bases across tourist destinations has helped build stronger relationships with local communities while boosting travelers’ confidence in their safety in Kenya.
About Tourist Police Unit (TPU)
The Tourist Police Unit (TPU) was established in 1992 in Mombasa through a collaboration among the Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and key stakeholders in the tourism industry.
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Its first bases were established on Mombasa Island, Likoni, Diani, Bamburi, and Malindi.
In 2004, the headquarters moved to Nairobi, and additional bases were established in Lamu, Watamu, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Nairobi, Naivasha, Maasai Mara, and Isiolo-Shaba.
Currently, the TPU’s headquarters is based in Upper Hill, in the Old Nairobi Area Police Headquarters building, with Lydia Ligami, AIG, serving as the acting Commandant.
