New police stations plan aims to boost national security
The new police stations plan announced by the government on Tuesday signals one of the largest security infrastructure expansions in recent years.
The move seeks to improve public safety and bring essential services closer to communities that have long lacked fast access to police support.
Government sets two-year target
President William Ruto revealed the plan at State House in Nairobi during the presentation of the Jukwaa la Usalama report. The report captures public concerns gathered from months of nationwide dialogues on security and service delivery.
Ruto said the government intends to build 900 new police stations within two years. He explained that long distances to the nearest station often slow emergency response and weaken community policing.
“We have agreed that we will build 900 new police stations in the next two years. Some areas are very far away from the nearest police station,” he said.
Funding to be shared across agencies
The new police stations plan draws support from several government arms. First, the Affordable Housing Programme will build 300 stations.
Then, the President will ask MPs to channel part of the NG-CDF funds to cover another 300. Finally, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration will handle the remaining stations. Ruto said this shared approach will speed up the process and support wider national development.
Administrative units set for expansion
In addition to new stations, the government will operationalise 24 sub-counties, 88 divisions and 675 sub-locations in the next year.
Officials say this expansion will bring government services closer to people in remote areas. The Jukwaa la Usalama report shows that officers in new units struggle with limited space, lack of offices and poor infrastructure.
Report reveals major gaps
The findings show that many officers work from makeshift structures. In Turkana County, Lokiriama Sub-County lacks an office, forcing staff to operate almost 80 kilometres away in Loima.
In Marakwet West, the Kaptalamwa Police Station and Kapkuchur Chief’s Office share a cramped two-room colonial structure. The chief’s office even serves as a police cell at night.
The Coast Regional Commissioner’s office needs urgent repairs. Tana River County Commissioner’s office is too small to function properly. In Samburu, the County Commissioner works from Civil Registration Services premises after stalled construction forced a relocation.
In Trans Nzoia, some condemned police stations remain in use since alternatives are lacking. Bomet faces similar conditions, and offices for Deputy County Commissioners in Kipipiri and Ndaragwa are still pending.
Call for wider partnerships
Participants in the Jukwaa la Usalama forums proposed that the government work more closely with the private sector to develop modern stations and administrative offices.
They also suggested a policy that requires national projects such as hospitals, roads and universities to include built-in security facilities. They argued that better planning will support the new police stations plan and strengthen long-term safety.
The proposals now move to government agencies for further action as the country prepares to implement one of the most far-reaching security upgrades in years.
