Power struggle between police chiefs and NPSC paralyses key functions in Kenya
via Tuko1 min read
A power struggle between civilian commissioners of the National Police Service Commission NPSC and police chiefs, led by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, has halted crucial human resource functions within the National Police Service NPS. The NPSC, responsible for managing human resources for the Kenya Police, Administration Police, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI, has not convened since October due to the dispute. The conflict intensified after the contested recruitment of 10,000 officers in October, where police chiefs bypassed NPSC guidelines. A Court of Appeal ruling on February 27 suspended a lower court judgment that had granted the Inspector General exclusive authority over promotions and dismissals. The appellate bench, comprising Judges Daniel Musinga, Mumbi Ngugi, and George Odunga, allowed ongoing recruit training but froze all police promotions and sackings until the main appeal is determined. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki convened a meeting with Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General Kanja, DCI Director Amin Mohamed, and NPSC civilian commissioners, led by Vice Chairperson Prof. Collette Suda, to resolve the issue, but efforts to persuade the commissioners to withdraw the pending Court of Appeal case were unsuccessful.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference in Nairobi commenced with a community street art activation, replacing a traditional opening ceremony. Artists created murals depicting visions for Nairobi's future, engaging residents, policymakers, climate experts, and international delegates. Annaclaudia Rossbach of UN-Habitat stated the event strengthens the connection between global institutions and local communities, reflecting Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities. Andy Deacon, Managing Director of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, noted the murals symbolize the conference's mission to connect people, ideas, and climate solutions. Nairobi County officials, including Chief Officer Zipora Mwangi, highlighted the initiative's alignment with Governor Johnson Sakaja鈥檚 vision to integrate the creative economy into urban development and improve public spaces. Joy Mboya, Director of the GoDown Arts Centre, expressed optimism for the initiative's lasting impact and its encouragement of public participation in climate and urban development discussions. This street art activation marks the beginning of the first African edition of Innovate4Cities, hosted at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, aiming to keep residents' voices central to discussions on climate resilience and urban planning.
Must ReadInterior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a warning against violent demonstrations ahead of planned June 25 protests, stating that the government will not tolerate criminal conduct. Speaking at Oriwo Boys National School, Omollo clarified that while peaceful picketing and petitioning are protected constitutional rights, demonstrators must be unarmed and respect the rights of others. He emphasized that armed individuals become criminals, and the law is clear on this. Omollo also stated that security agencies will protect citizens who choose not to participate in the demonstrations, ensuring their daily routines are not disrupted. Additionally, he highlighted significant government investments in the education sector under President William Ruto's administration, noting the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over the past three years and the state's commitment to quality education.
Must ReadThe 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference I4C26 is being held in Nairobi from June 21 to 24, marking the first time this global climate and urban development forum has taken place in Africa. Hosted by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy GCoM and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme UN-Habitat, the event brings together over 1,000 global participants, including leaders from government, academia, business, and civil society. Nairobi's selection highlights Kenya's growing role in climate adaptation and urban resilience, particularly for rapidly expanding cities in the Global South. GCoM Co-Managing Director Andy Deacon emphasized the conference's role in bridging climate research and policy implementation, focusing on African leadership and innovation. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl谩udia Rossbach highlighted the importance of investing in adequate housing for resilient communities. Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson expressed pride in hosting the delegation, noting the opportunity to translate climate science into urban policy. The conference features over 100 sessions across five thematic tracks: Multilevel Governance & Partnerships, Housing & Infrastructure, Digitalisation & AI, Justice & Equity, and Finance & Implementation. Key highlights include plenary discussions with mayors, workshops on local government climate financing, and an AI x City Climate Action Hackathon. I4C26 will also host an in-person expert review of the draft Intergovernmental Panel