Police establish Nairobi Metropolitan Unit to tighten security in the capital
By Sharon Atieno, July 28, 2026The National Police Service (NPS) has established the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU), saying the specialised command will strengthen security operations in the capital through faster deployment of officers, improved coordination and enhanced public safety.
In a statement shared on its X account on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the police said the new unit will be headquartered at Kamukunji Police Station and is expected to bring policing services closer to residents while addressing Nairobi’s evolving security challenges.
“The Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, which will be headquartered at Kamukunji Police Station, has been established to strengthen security in the capital,” the statement read.
According to the NPS, the specialised command will improve coordination of operations, enable quicker deployment of officers and adopt a more focused approach to tackling crime and maintaining public order across Nairobi.
Kamukunji to serve as command centre
The announcement follows the government’s earlier decision to designate Kamukunji Police Station as the headquarters of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
The Ministry of Interior announced on July 17, 2026, that the station will be redeveloped into a modern security complex equipped with operational offices, police housing and an Integrated Command and Communication Centre (IC4).
The command centre is expected to provide real-time surveillance, communication and coordination of security operations across Nairobi City County, improving emergency response and crime management.
A multi-agency technical team led by Internal Security Principal Secretary Thomas Sakah has already inspected the site ahead of the planned construction, which is expected to begin in August.
Model for future policing
The latest development comes weeks after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said preparations for the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit had entered an advanced stage.
Murkomen described the specialised command as a model for future policing in Kenya, saying it will enhance coordination among security agencies operating within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
The unit is expected to focus on crime prevention, protection of critical infrastructure, public order management and improved traffic enforcement.
Government officials have also benchmarked policing models in the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and Japan to inform the structure of the new command.
Once operational, the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit is expected to become the central command for policing operations across Nairobi, forming part of broader National Police Service reforms aimed at modernising security operations and improving service delivery to residents.