William Ruto Orders Creation of New Police Unit to Improve Security in Nairobi
President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Interior to establish a new security unit that will focus specifically on addressing crime and safety concerns within Nairobi.
The new formation, to be known as the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU), is expected to strengthen security operations in the capital and improve coordination between national and county security agencies.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 17, during the signing of a cooperation agreement between the national government and Nairobi County Government. Speaking during the event, the President emphasized that security remains a top priority for any modern and growing capital city, noting that safety is essential for economic growth, investment, and the well-being of residents.
In his directive, the President instructed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to develop and present a clear framework for the formation and operation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
The Interior Ministry has been given a 60-day deadline to complete the plan and outline how the unit will function, including its structure, responsibilities, and cooperation with existing security agencies.
According to the President, the new police unit will work closely with Nairobi County’s security teams to ensure better coordination and faster response to crime incidents.
He stressed that the government is committed to making Nairobi safer for residents, business owners, visitors, and investors, adding that improved security will help support economic activity and restore confidence in the city.
President Ruto also pointed out that collaboration between the national government and the county administration has already produced results in other areas.
He cited the Nairobi River regeneration programme as an example of successful cooperation, explaining that the initiative has provided employment opportunities to more than 45,000 young people across the county while also improving the city’s environment.
During his remarks, the President urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to accompany him on an inspection tour of ongoing development projects within the county. He noted that joint supervision of projects would help ensure faster implementation and better service delivery for city residents.
Security challenges in Nairobi have remained a major concern in recent years, with frequent reports of phone snatching, pickpocketing, and business break-ins in several parts of the Central Business District.
Many traders and commuters have raised concerns about safety, especially during evening hours and in crowded areas.
Data from recent national crime assessments shows that Nairobi continues to record a significant share of reported crime cases in the country. Reports by the National Crime Research Centre indicate that the city accounted for 9.6 percent of national crime, with more than 11,000 cases reported in 2023.
However, a mid-2025 analysis also showed progress, with crime levels dropping by nearly 14 percent compared to the previous year.
The research centre further identified Nairobi as one of the counties with higher homicide cases, particularly in areas such as Embakasi and Dagoretti. Authorities have also expressed concern about the presence of dozens of active criminal gangs operating within the city.
At the same time, surveys revealed that many young people still have low trust in police officers, with concerns about profiling and harassment being frequently mentioned.
Within the city centre, areas such as Archives, Kencom, Odeon, Railways, River Road, and Muthurwa have often been mentioned as crime hotspots, especially for muggings and theft targeting pedestrians and commuters.
The establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit is therefore expected to strengthen patrols, improve intelligence gathering, and restore a sense of safety in these high-risk areas.
The government now hopes that the new police unit, together with continued cooperation between national and county authorities, will bring long-term improvements to security and help Nairobi maintain its position as a key economic and business hub in the region.
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