Top leadership within Kenya’s police service has been called upon to uphold integrity, vision, and accountability as a means of transforming the country’s policing into a world-class service.
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat, and the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, delivered the message to about 80 senior police commanders undergoing training at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) in Ngong, Kajiado. The officers are part of the ongoing County Commanders Strategic Leadership Course.
Lagat emphasized that the essence of leadership lies not in authority but in the responsibility to support those under one’s command. He encouraged the officers to adapt their leadership styles to different situations and operational needs, adding that modern policing requires a people-centered, tech-savvy, and community-focused approach.
“True leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge,” Lagat said, urging the commanders to uphold the highest ethical standards to maintain both public trust and internal cohesion.
Mohamed Amin underscored the need for professionalism at all levels of the police service. He reassured the officers of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) unwavering support, highlighting the role of DCI experts in handling complex cases. Amin encouraged commanders to collaborate with specialized units such as the Forensics, Homicide, and Anti-Narcotics Directorates.
“You need to adopt core values such as accountability, integrity and justice in your quest to provide top-notch security services within your areas of command,” Amin said.
Academy Commandant David Mathiu noted that the high-level engagement from the top police brass offers vital insight that will help senior officers proactively address emerging crime trends.
The five-week strategic leadership course aims to boost coordination across the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), and the DCI. It also fosters unity among the senior officers while sharpening their ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
With renewed focus on leadership, ethics, and professionalism, the police bosses hope to create a culture of excellence within the ranks of Kenya’s security services.
