Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that 2,500 officers will soon undergo specialised training ahead of the rollout of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, a new security outfit aimed at strengthening safety across the capital.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Sakaja made the announcement on Sunday after attending a church service at St Austin's Catholic Church in Westlands, saying Nairobi's unique status as the country's capital requires a policing model tailored to its rapidly growing daytime population.

The officers will be drawn from the Nairobi County Inspectorate and the National Police Service (NPS), bringing county enforcement officers and national police under a coordinated operational framework.

According to Sakaja, Nairobi's population rises to more than seven million people during the day, making it increasingly difficult to rely on a policing model focused primarily on traffic management rather than broader urban security challenges.

📌 What You Need to Know

Part of the plan, according to the plan, involves a shift in focus toward stronger security patrols and quicker emergency response across Nairobi's neighborhoods. This means that traffic duties will take a back seat as officers are retooled for broader public safety work.

“We will train 2,500 police officers from the county and the National Police Service. They will undergo vigorous training to address the security challenges of the city. We need more security patrols in Nairobi than traffic patrols because this is a city of seven million people with unique security needs,” Governor Sakaja stated.

The entire initiative falls under the Cooperation Agreement signed in February, a Ksh80 billion deal between the National and County governments, a framework meant to align resources and responsibilities. It is through this agreement that the new unit will draw its legal and operational backing.

Of essence is that Kamukunji Police Station has been earmarked to become the new headquarters for the unit once the plan takes off. The station will undergo rehabilitation and expansion works to prepare it for its expanded command role.

Beyond the officer training, Sakaja revealed plans for a citywide CCTV surveillance network that will be rolled out across Nairobi in the coming period. The network will be tied directly into a new Traffic Management Center based at City Cabanas.

“The use of cameras will be key. City Cabanas will host Nairobi’s new digital traffic nerve hub, and we will integrate it with private cameras to improve security and enhance response to incidents across the city,” Sakaja stated.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke