The government has launched a large-scale leadership training programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of chiefs and assistant chiefs to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s vision to modernise and reform the security sector, making it more responsive to contemporary challenges under the BETA framework.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen officially launched the first cohort of 1,000 officers from all 47 counties at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus. This marks the start of a three-week intensive course designed to equip the officers with paralegal knowledge and security management skills, ensuring better coordination of government services at the county level.
CS Murkomen highlighted that some officers are undertaking the course after 25 years in service, following feedback from the counties’ security tours known as Jukwaa la Usalama. Successful trainees will immediately qualify for promotions, addressing delays previously experienced under Public Service Commission (PSC) requirements.
“It’s unbelievable that the last time chiefs and assistant chiefs attended a course of this kind was in 2018. Today, we are not just launching a training course; we are writing a new chapter in how we govern and secure our country from the grassroots up,” said the CS.
He further noted that 87 chiefs and 58 assistant chiefs have already been promoted this year, and the current training will pave the way for additional career progression. Shockingly, some officers had never received such training since 1983.
“This induction, paralegal and security management training is a strategic upgrade of our grassroots administration. It will empower you with legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and modern security tools,” CS Murkomen stated.
The training is part of broader plans to retool the National Government Administration, including capacity-building and welfare enhancement programmes for NGAOs and security agencies. The Ministry is also working with the National Treasury to expand the government vehicle leasing programme to enhance officers’ mobility.
In addition, the CS unveiled Standard Operating Procedures governing interactions between NGAOs and the newly formed National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), and flagged off thousands of pairs of uniforms for chiefs and assistant chiefs. This move addresses previous challenges with travel and fitting, boosting morale and improving the image of government at the grassroots level.
“We are optimistic that these initiatives will not only enhance operational efficiency but also elevate the profile of government mashinani,” CS Murkomen concluded.