President William Ruto has instructed the Interior Ministry to formulate a plan for creating a specialized Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit within the upcoming two-month period.
Addressing the media at State House on Tuesday, the head of state indicated that the new formation will collaborate closely with Nairobi County security forces to improve security and rebuild public assurance in the capital city.
He underscored that safety in the metropolitan area is vital to Kenya’s economic advancement and international reputation.
“We have to ensure Nairobi is secure for tourists, investors, and commercial operations,” the head of state stated.
“Security is essential for a modern capital city such as Nairobi. Consequently, I order the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to develop and submit, within 60 days, a blueprint for a specialized Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit. We will guarantee that Nairobi is safe for inhabitants, tourists, investors, and commercial entities,” Ruto declared.
The head of state highlighted that Nairobi’s status as Kenya’s capital places significant accountability on both the national and county authorities to maintain effectiveness, order, and superior service delivery standards.
“For numerous visitors and investors, Nairobi is not merely the representation of Kenya; Nairobi represents Kenya. This status carries a substantial duty that a capital city must fulfill. It must operate effectively. It must attain the highest standards of order, infrastructure, effectiveness, and service delivery not only for its 4.4 million residents, but also for the millions who rely on it daily,” he explained.
The proposed entity is projected to enhance cooperation between national security organizations and county enforcement frameworks, amidst increasing apprehension about criminal activities and urban safety in the capital.
If executed, the specialized metropolitan policing framework could represent a notable transformation in how security operations are organized within Nairobi, establishing the city as a more secure center for commerce, tourism, and global interaction.
Ruto additionally clarified that the national administration is not assuming control of Nairobi, maintaining that the county leadership continues to have complete authority over governing the capital.
Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Ruto refuted assertions that recent interactions between the national administration and Nairobi County constitute a transfer of responsibilities.
“What we are establishing today is not a transfer of responsibilities. Let me reiterate there is no transfer of responsibilities occurring,” the head of state affirmed.