Kenya and US hold talks on policing cooperation
By Joel Masibo, December 17, 2025The National Police Service (NPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with the United States following high-level talks between Inspector General Douglas Kanja and a visiting US Embassy delegation in Nairobi.
Inspector General Kanja hosted the delegation at the NPS Headquarters on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, where discussions centred on enhancing collaboration in police training and capacity building.
The US team was led by Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns and comprised senior officials responsible for security, legal affairs, and law enforcement cooperation.
According to the National Police Service, the meeting explored key areas of partnership, including curriculum development for police training, the integration of technology in law enforcement education, border security, bomb disposal, counter-terrorism operations, and investigations into complex transnational crimes. These crimes include drug and human trafficking, as well as money laundering.
Strengthening policing cooperation
”The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the U.S. Government and the National Police Service in police training and capacity building, including curriculum development, the use of technology in training, border security, bomb disposal, counter-terrorism, and the investigation of serious crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering,” the NPS statement said in part.
The two sides also deliberated on plans to expand the Anti-Narcotics Unit, strengthen forensic capabilities, and further develop the National Police Strategic Leadership Academy. Ongoing training programmes for recruits across various National Police Service colleges were highlighted as a critical pillar in professionalising the service.
”Discussions also covered the expansion of the Anti-Narcotics Unit, strengthening forensic capacity, enhancement of the National Police Strategic Leadership Academy, and ongoing training of recruits across National Police Service Colleges.” It added.
Lauding U.S support
Inspector General Kanja lauded the continued support from the U.S. Government, noting that sustained training initiatives have significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Kenyan police officers. He further acknowledged American support extended to the Kenyan police contingent currently deployed in Haiti as part of international security efforts.
The Inspector General was accompanied during the meeting by senior NPS officials, including his Principal Assistant Mathew Kutoh, Director of Reforms John Kamau, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs Charles Otiende, and Deputy Director of Corporate Communications Dorothy Migarusha.