The government has launched a new police unit, called the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), that will aid government operations.
The new unit, NGAPU, launched on Friday, January 24, will operate under the Administration Police Service (APS) and has been designed to assist chiefs in executing operations across the country.
NGAPU will establish its headquarters in Nairobi, with subsidiaries operating at regional, county, sub-county, divisional, and locational levels.
According to a statement from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the government has already assigned 6,000 police officers to the unit, which is about two officers per chief. There are 3,950 chiefs and 9,043 assistants countrywide.
Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners and Deputy County Commissioners at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete on Tuesday, August 20.
William Ruto
A draft proposal outlines that NGAPU will assist National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) in security management and the execution of their duties across all administrative units.
NGAPU will provide essential support to NGAOs, particularly in maintaining law and order and offering protective security to government facilities.
They will also enforce national policies and laws, ensuring compliance in various high-risk operations, including land disputes, regulatory enforcement, and campaigns against alcohol and drug abuse.
Additionally, NGAPU personnel will oversee security at public events, such as barazas, while assisting in apprehending suspects and preserving exhibits.
Their role extends to supporting NGAOs in conflict management and peacebuilding efforts, collaborating with law enforcement agencies in coordinated responses to complex incidents.
The unit’s duties also include ensuring public safety through compliance with national directives, safeguarding against threats, and executing lawful orders issued by authorities.
“NGAPU will provide NGAOs with the security capacity necessary to execute delivery of government services, improve public safety, and strengthen multiagency collaboration,” stated CS Murkomen.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen interacts with Kenyan police officers aboard a Kenya Airways plane during their flag-off to Haiti on January 18, 2025.
Ministry of Interior