Japhet Koome Kanja becomes Kenya’s fifth Inspector General

Nairobi, Kenya — Japhet Koome Kanja has officially assumed office as Kenya’s fifth Inspector General of Police, taking over from his predecessor, Hillary Mutyambai.

Kanja’s appointment marks a significant moment in the leadership of Kenya’s National Police Service, with the new Inspector General pledging reforms aimed at enhancing public safety, professionalism, and the welfare of police officers.

In a ceremony held at the National Police Service Headquarters in Nairobi, President William Ruto oversaw the swearing-in of Kanja, highlighting the critical role of the police in upholding law and order, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace across the country. Kanja’s appointment comes at a time when Kenya faces numerous security challenges, including rising cases of banditry, urban crime, extra-judicial killings and ongoing threats from terrorist groups.

Focus on Reforms

In his inaugural speech, Inspector General Kanja emphasized the need to restore public trust in the police force through greater transparency, accountability, and community engagement. He committed to spearheading reforms within the service, with a strong focus on improving police training, addressing the welfare of officers, and fostering a stronger relationship between the police and the public.

“My priority will be to ensure that the police force operates with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. We will work to build a police service that the Kenyan people can trust and rely on,” Kanja said.

He also acknowledged the challenges facing the police force, including limited resources and the increasing demands on law enforcement in a rapidly urbanizing country. Kanja pledged to work closely with other government agencies and international partners to enhance the capacity of the police to tackle crime and improve security across all regions of the country.

A New Era for Kenya’s Police Force

Kanja’s appointment as the Inspector General marks a new chapter in the leadership of Kenya’s police service. With a career spanning over three decades in law enforcement, Kanja is known for his expertise in crime management and community policing.

He previously served as the Nairobi County Police Commander, where he was credited with reducing crime in the capital and implementing effective anti-crime strategies.

His predecessor, Hillary Mutyambai, resigned from the position citing health reasons, bringing an end to his tenure that saw various reforms, including the rollout of a digitized police service and the establishment of specialized units to handle terrorism and organized crime. Under Kanja’s leadership, many are hopeful that the momentum for reform will continue.

Challenges Ahead

As Kanja steps into his new role, he faces a number of critical issues that will require immediate attention. Among them is the rising insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in northern Kenya, where banditry and cattle rustling continue to pose a threat to communities. Additionally, the fight against terrorism remains a priority, with groups such as Al-Shabaab continuing to target Kenyan border regions.

Public perception of the police force has been marred by allegations of corruption, extrajudicial killings, and police brutality, issues that Kanja has vowed to address through accountability measures and institutional reforms.

Commitment to Collaboration

President Ruto, in his address during the ceremony, expressed confidence in Kanja’s ability to lead the police force and tackle the country’s security challenges. He called on all law enforcement agencies to collaborate with communities, civil society, and the government to create a safer and more secure environment for all Kenyans.

“The security of our nation is paramount, and I believe that with Inspector General Kanja at the helm, the National Police Service will continue to make strides in ensuring peace, law, and order across Kenya,” President Ruto said.

As Kanja takes up his role as Kenya’s fifth Inspector General of Police, all eyes will be on the strategies he implements to combat crime, improve the welfare of officers, and strengthen trust between the police and the public. His leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Kenya’s security landscape.