By Mandere Onyinkwa
The National Police Service (NPS), with support from the International Justice Mission, on Saturday convened a high-level Sub-County Commanders’ Consultative Dialogue at the National Police Leadership Academy.
The forum focused on strengthening leadership, accountability, and operational effectiveness within the Service.
Also Read
Held under the theme “Strengthening Capacity and Enhancing Operational Effectiveness at the Sub-County Level,” the forum brought together senior police commanders and stakeholders to discuss ways of building a resilient, professional, and citizen-centred police service capable of responding to evolving security challenges while maintaining public trust and adherence to the rule of law.
Representing Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat said transformational leadership and innovation were now essential in modern policing.
He urged commanders to embrace change, sharpen their skills, and adopt innovative approaches to emerging crime trends while promoting community policing and citizen participation in enhancing security.
“The modern policing environment demands leaders who can adapt quickly, inspire their officers, and build stronger partnerships with the communities they serve,” he said.
Lagat also challenged commanders to prioritize the welfare and professional growth of officers under their command through mentorship, positive leadership, and collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders.
Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli noted that the image and effectiveness of the Service are largely shaped by officers who interact directly with the public.
He called on commanders to embrace humane and transformative leadership that recognizes the strengths of officers while maintaining close human connections with the communities they serve.
Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy, Mathiu Kainga, lauded the leadership of the National Police Service for supporting officer training, leadership development, and institutional reforms at the academy.
Speaking during the conference, IJM Country Director Vincent Chahale reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the National Police Service, saying a professional and accountable police service benefits society as a whole.
Also present at the dialogue were NPS Director of Training Hassan Aljir, senior police commanders, staff from the academy, and other IJM officials.
