Inspector-general of police (Kenya)

Inspector General of National Police Service
Flag of the Kenya Police Force
Incumbent Mr Douglas Kanja Kirocho, CBS, OGW
Member of	National Police Service
Seat	Vigilance House, Harambee Ave, Nairobi
Appointer	President of Kenya
Term length	4 years (non-renewable)
Inaugural holder	Bernard Hinga
Formation	1964 (as commissioner of police) 2012 (as inspector-general)
Deputy	Mr. Eliud Lagat - KPS MR. Gilbert Masengeli - APS
Salary	Ksh. 800,241.[1]
Website	https://www.kenyapolice.go.ke/

The inspector-general of police, abbreviated as IGP, is the highest ranked officer of the Kenya Police Force, responsible for commanding and leading the Kenya Police. He is also in charge of overall and independent command and matter of the National Police Service.[2] The position was established in 1964 as the commissioner of police.[3] It was renamed to inspect-general of police in 2012, to serve as the head of the two police bodies of Kenya for a four-year term.[4] The Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service is also headed by a deputy inspector-general[5] who is appointed by the president of Kenya and approved by the parliament.[6] The current inspector-general as of July 2024 is Douglas Kanja, CBS, in the acting capacity following the resignation of the previous IGP Eng. Japheth N. Koome, MGH.[7]

List of officeholders

Commissioner of police (1964–2012)

• Bernard Hinga 1964–1978
• Ben Gethi 1978–1982
• Bernard Njinu 1982–1988
• Phillip Kilonzo 1988–1993
• Shedrack Kiruki 1993–1996
• Duncan Wachira 1996–1998
• Philemon Abong’o 1998–2002
• Edwin Nyaseda 2002–2003
• Maj Gen. Mohammed Hussein Ali 2004–2009
• Mathew Kirai Iteere 2009–2012

Inspector-generals of police (2012–present)

• David Mwole Kimaiyo, 2012–2014
• Samuel Arachi, acting and deputy inspector-general-Administration Police Service 31 December 2014 – 11 March 2015
• Joseph Kipchirchir Boinett, 11 March 2015 – March 2019
• Hillary Nzioki Mutyambai, 8 April 2019 – 27 September 2022[8]
• Japeth Koome, November 2022 – 2024[8][9][7]
• Douglas Kanja, 12 July 2024 - Present[7]

References

1. "Kenya Police Salary - Amounts". www.advance-africa.com. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
2. "Functions of the Inspector General of Police in Kenya". AfroCave. 2020-04-13. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
3. "Former Commissioners". Kenya Police. Archived from the original on 31 July 2010.
4. "Constitutions of Kenya - National Police Service". ustawi.info.ke. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
5. "Functions of the Deputy Inspector General in Kenya". AfroCave. 2020-10-05. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
6. "245. Command of the National Police Service - Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC)". www.klrc.go.ke. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
7. "Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome resigns". Citizen Digital. 2024-07-12. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
8. "Japhet Koome sworn in as new Inspector General of Police". Citizen Digital. 2022-11-11. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
9. "Mr. (Eng). Japheth Koome Nchebere". National Police Service Commission. Retrieved 2023-04-27.