Police Oppose Proposed Law That Could End IG Douglas Kanja’s Tenure
Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, at the National Police Service Headquarters.
Nairobi, Kenya — November 13, 2025: The National Police Service (NPS) has opposed a proposed amendment to the National Police Service Act that seeks to introduce retirement age and term limits for the Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), warning that the move could force out seasoned leaders, including the current IG, Douglas Kanja.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, NPS Director of Legal Affairs Amos Obuga argued that leadership within the police service should be determined by merit rather than age. He maintained that competence, experience, and institutional knowledge should guide decisions on leadership continuity.
“The performance of an Inspector General should not be tied to age. The key qualifications should be competence, integrity, professionalism, and strategic ability,” said IG Kanja through Obuga.
The National Police Service (Amendment) Bill 2025, sponsored by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, proposes setting the retirement age for the IG and DIGs at 60 years. If enacted, the law could see IG Kanja, 61, vacate office before the end of his term.
Currently, the Constitution caps the IG’s tenure at a single, non-renewable four-year term but does not specify an age limit. The new proposal also introduces a five-year renewable term for the DIGs, who currently serve without a defined tenure.
MP Kaunya defended the bill, saying it aims to enhance accountability, ensure dynamic leadership, and strengthen succession planning in the police service. “This law is meant to keep leadership vibrant and effective by ensuring those in top positions have the energy and capacity to lead,” he said.
In contrast, Obuga cautioned that the changes could sideline highly skilled officers, undermining institutional memory and leadership stability.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson, Ahmed Issack Hassan, backed the proposal, particularly the sections aimed at improving transparency in the appointment and removal of the IG and DIGs. He said the changes align with the Maraga Taskforce recommendations on police reforms and urged compliance with the two-thirds gender rule.
Hassan also noted that neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Uganda already enforce retirement limits for senior police officers.
As Parliament debates the bill, it has sparked divided opinions with supporters viewing it as a step toward modernizing police leadership, while critics warn it could disrupt continuity and force experienced officers like IG Kanja out of office.
