President William Ruto has made changes in the National Police Service following the resignation of Inspector General of the National Police Service Japhet Koome.
In a statement on Friday, July 12, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Deputy-Inspector General Douglas Kanja would assume Koome’s role.
Mohamed said Kanja would serve in an acting capacity until the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of the new Inspector-General.
“Pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of the Inspector-General of the National Police Service, the Head of State has, in accordance with Section 16 of the National Police Service Act, designated Mr. Douglas Kanja, CBS the Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service as the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service,” read his statement to the media.
Mohamed stated that Ruto’s changes within the country’s security agencies take effect immediately.
Career profile of new acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja
Kanja has served as commandant of the General Service Unit since 2018.
He has also served in various capacities, including as the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Commandant of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), and the Director of Operations at the National Police Service (NPS).
Before his current appointment, Kanja served as the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of the National Police Service.
In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing police operations and ensuring the effective management of the force.
In addition to his role as DIG, Kanja has been a Commissioner at the National Police Service Commission.
His responsibilities included formulating policies and overseeing the administration of the police service, ensuring that standards were met across the board.
From 2018, Kanja served as the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU). Under his leadership, the GSU played a critical role in maintaining public order, responding to emergencies, and executing high-risk operations.
According to his profile on the National Police Service Commission, Kanja’s tenure as the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) saw significant improvements in crime detection and prevention.
His strategic initiatives and hands-on approach contributed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the DCI.
As the Commandant of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), Kanja was at the forefront of Kenya’s fight against terrorism.
His leadership in this unit was pivotal in countering terrorist activities and ensuring national security.
In his capacity as the Director of Operations at the NPS, Kanja coordinated nationwide police operations, streamlined procedures, and improved response times to incidents.
His strategic planning and operational oversight were crucial in maintaining law and order.
Douglas Kanja has served in various regions across Kenya, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the diverse challenges faced by the police force in different areas.
His assignments have included Nairobi, where Kanja’s work in the capital city involved dealing with complex urban crime and security issues; Coast, where he addressed issues related to coastal security and the unique challenges posed by maritime crime; Eastern, where Kanja’s service focused on rural policing and community engagement; and Rift Valley, where his experience included managing security during periods of political tension and unrest.
Douglas Kanja’s exemplary service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), one of Kenya’s highest honours.
This recognition is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and significant contributions to the nation’s security.
