IG Kanja: We'll roll out high-tech security plan ahead of election

Police IG Douglas Kanja at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on April 23, 2026. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The National Police Service (NPS) has said it has an ambitious security modernization plan ahead of next year’s General Election, even as it seeks to strengthen training and expand police infrastructure to ensure a peaceful process.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the service will ensure the General Election is secure and credible.

He made the remarks when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on National Administration and Internal Security, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo.

“We did it in the 2022 elections. We are going to do it again in 2027,” Kanja told the committee.

Kanja said at least 10,000 police recruits are currently undergoing training to reinforce personnel capacity. He appealed to Parliament to support additional recruitment and operational funding to strengthen preparedness.

He said the police have a constitutional duty to create a secure environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

“Training is very important. We need all our officers prepared on matters elections, including public order management. Support from this committee will go a long way in helping us enhance our preparedness,” Kanja said.

The IG explained to the committee that the critical component of reform includes the proposed Integrated Command, Control, Communication and Coordination (IC4) security framework, which will replace the ageing IC3 surveillance system.

“The new platform will usher in advanced policing technologies, including digital Occurrence Books (OBs), body-worn cameras for officers, automatic traffic fine systems and enhanced CCTV surveillance. The digital transformation will improve accountability, transparency and operational efficiency within the police service,” Kanja explained.

He said adoption of technology in policing will provide evidential value and can also exonerate officers in the event of false accusations.

Kanja said the automatic fine system, coupled with advanced CCTV cameras under the IC4 programme, would significantly reduce direct interactions between motorists and traffic police officers, thereby curbing corruption and improving service delivery.

The IG defended plans to operationalize the National Police Service Level Four Hospital at Mbagathi, saying it is a critical facility expected to provide specialized healthcare for officers injured while on duty.