Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Wednesday held talks with Amnesty International Kenya and representatives of various civil society organisations in a meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration on rights-based policing, public safety and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The courtesy call, held at the National Police Service headquarters, brought together senior police officers and leaders from key civil society organisations to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in promoting accountability, community policing and peaceful public assemblies.
The discussions also focused on identifying practical areas of collaboration in line with the Constitution and the rule of law, as the country begins preparations for the next General Election.
Speaking during the meeting, Kanja welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the National Police Service’s commitment to working closely with civil society to promote professional and rights-based policing.
He noted that security remains a shared responsibility and said collaboration with non-state actors provides an opportunity to rebuild public trust while strengthening community policing across the country.
The Inspector General said the partnership would also support the implementation of the National Police Service Strategic Plan (2023-2027), including ongoing reforms aimed at transforming police stations and service delivery centres into Centres of Excellence.
Kanja further highlighted capacity building and digitisation as key pillars in enhancing integrity, accountability, transparency and effective policing.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Constructive engagement with civil society will help strengthen community policing, rebuild public confidence and identify collaborative opportunities that support professional service delivery,” Kanja said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara welcomed the continued engagement between the National Police Service and civil society organisations.
Morara said sustained dialogue between the police, communities and human rights organisations was critical in improving community policing and restoring public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
He also underscored the need for joint efforts in election security preparedness, saying collaboration would help address emerging security threats, including criminal gangs, through rights-based and de-escalation approaches.
“We appreciate the positive working relationship that has developed with the National Police Service and remain committed to continued engagement in promoting human rights, peaceful elections and community safety,” Morara said.
The meeting comes as stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with increased focus on ensuring security agencies uphold constitutional principles while safeguarding public order during political activities.
Morara was accompanied by Amnesty International Kenya Senior Campaigner for Civil Liberties Ramadhan Rajab and George Mwangala.
Other civil society representatives present included The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) Executive Director Diana Gichengo, Emmy Auma of International Alert and Wangechi Grace Kahuria of the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU).
Senior National Police Service officers who attended the meeting included Director of Corporate Communication and Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Training and Research Aljir Hassan, Director of Legal Services Amos Omuga, Director of ICT Samuel Mwilu and the Inspector General’s Personal Assistant James Murithi, alongside other senior officers.