President William Ruto has announced that Nairobi will, for the first time, establish a Metropolitan Police Unit beginning July this year as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve law enforcement coordination across the capital city.
According to the President, the specialised unit will be tasked with enhancing surveillance, improving rapid response to security incidents and supporting existing national security agencies in maintaining law and order within Nairobi.
The move comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, urban congestion and the increasing pressure placed on security agencies by Nairobi’s rapidly expanding population and economic activities.
Nairobi security set for boost as President Ruto announces new police unit. Photo: Courtesy.
The Metropolitan Police Unit is expected to play a key role in ensuring residents, businesses and visitors enjoy a safer environment while also supporting broader urban transformation plans being implemented by the government.
Notably, the announcement comes months after the signing of a landmark collaboration agreement between the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government aimed at accelerating development and improving service delivery in the city.
The agreement was signed at State House Nairobi by President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the presence of senior national and county government officials.
Under the partnership framework, the two levels of government agreed to jointly work on key sectors affecting Nairobi residents, including security, transport, housing, solid waste management, urban planning, health services and infrastructure development.
The deal also sought to establish a coordinated approach in addressing long-standing challenges facing the capital, such as traffic congestion, poor drainage systems, illegal dumping, rising crime rates and inadequate public services.
At the time, President Ruto said the partnership would enable both governments to pool resources and harmonise operations to transform Nairobi into a modern, efficient and globally competitive city.
Governor Sakaja also welcomed the collaboration, noting that closer cooperation with the National Government would help fast-track major projects and improve the quality of services offered to Nairobi residents.
The planned Metropolitan Police Unit is now expected to form a key pillar of the broader Nairobi transformation agenda under the cooperation agreement.
