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Douglas Kanja was officially appointed as Kenya’s new Inspector-General of Police on Thursday, September 19, 2024 by President William Ruto, following the National Assembly’s approval of his nomination just a day earlier.
His appointment marks a significant shift in the leadership of the National Police Service, with Kanja stepping into the role previously held by Acting Inspector-General Gilbert Masengeli, who now returns to his duties as Deputy Inspector-General (DIG).
Kanja’s rise to the top of the police service follows the resignation of former Inspector-General Japhet Koome in July, leaving a leadership gap that Kanja, with nearly four decades of experience in law enforcement, is well-equipped to fill. His career, which began in 1985, has been marked by a steady progression through various ranks and roles within the National Police Service, positioning him as a seasoned leader capable of steering the service forward.
Before his appointment as Inspector-General, Kanja served as the DIG, where he oversaw the General Service Unit (GSU) for five years, first as Commandant and earlier as Deputy Commandant for three years. His tenure in these roles saw him gain extensive operational experience, particularly in managing specialized police units. He has also held key positions as Kilifi County Police Commander, Deputy Commandant of the Kenya Airports Police Unit, and Chief Armourer at Police Headquarters.
At 60, Kanja brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to the Inspector-General position. His long career in law enforcement has seen him manage complex security challenges, from county-level policing to national security operations. As he takes the reins, expectations are high for him to implement reforms and enhance the efficiency and integrity of the police service.
Kanja’s appointment is seen as part of a broader effort by President Ruto’s administration to strengthen national security, particularly at a time when the country faces evolving security threats. His leadership is expected to bolster morale within the police force while fostering better coordination with other national security agencies.
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