By Lilian Mutua

The National Police Service (NPS) participated in an external validation workshop for the POLICARE Service Provider Training Curriculum and Occupational Standards yesterday, 15th April 2026.

Held at the Argyle Grand Hotel, the workshop brought together a diverse group of public and private sector experts to refine the curriculum before its formal accreditation by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Authority.

The curriculum will address key competency areas essential for an effective response to SGBV. These include survivor-centred communication, forensic evidence management, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, medico-legal documentation, child protection, case management, confidentiality, professional ethics, and inter-agency collaboration.

The Inspector General (IG) of the National Police Service, Mr Douglas Kanja, was represented at the workshop by the NPS Director of Personnel, Dr Wanderi Mwangi, SAIG.

In remarks delivered by Dr Wanderi, IG Kanja expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the validation process, noting that the development of the curriculum is a testament to the strength of partnerships.

He noted that the curriculum adopts a competency-based approach, which aligns with the Government of Kenya’s broader education and training reforms that emphasise the development of practical skills, values, and measurable competencies.

Additionally, he acknowledged that the shift to competency-based training is critical in ensuring standardisation, accountability, and continuous professional development. Most importantly, it strengthens our collective ability to provide timely, coordinated, and dignified support to survivors.

He reaffirmed the NPS’s commitment to strengthening the POLICARE model and enhancing multi-sectoral collaboration, recognising that meaningful impact can only be achieved through partnership, shared standards, and continuous improvement.

Present during the exercise were the KPS Director of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Ms Dolly Oduor, AIG; NPS Deputy Director of Training and Research, Dr Gideon Kirui, CP; National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) Trainer, Ms Sicily Gatiti, CP; and POLICARE’s Ms Zipporah Nderitu, SSP.

Partners present included Country Director for Search for Common Ground, Ms Judy Kimamo; NPSC Acting Director of Appeals, Policy & Legal Affairs, Ms Eunice Nyonga; IPOA Commissioner Dr Annette Mbogoh; Global Head of Regional and Multi-Country Programmes, Save the Children International, Mr Anthony Njoroge; Head of Partnerships, Centre for Rights Education and Awareness, Ms Angelina Sikandal; Staff Sergeant BATUK, Ms Amy Thompson, alongside other officials.