President William Ruto has directed that all chiefs and assistant chiefs undergo mandatory training within the first six months of their appointment, a move aimed at enhancing government efficiency and strengthening security operations across the country.
The President issued the directive during the graduation ceremony of 5,892 chiefs and assistant chiefs at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi. He highlighted that the government will continue this mandatory training to ensure all administrative officers are well-prepared for their duties.
“My instruction to the Interior Ministry is that every officer, chief, their assistant, and all below them should be trained within six months of being hired. Many of the officers here initially served for more than 10 months without any training,” President Ruto said.
The graduates completed courses in induction, paralegal skills, and security management, with the ceremony attended by top leaders from the National Police Service (NPS), the Interior Ministry, and other government officials.
Chiefs to Support Government Policies and Infrastructure Projects
President Ruto also emphasized that chiefs and their assistants must actively support the implementation of government policies at both national and county levels.
“This should cover all projects as long as they are for the benefit of the people of Kenya,” he said.
He further urged administrative officers to play a hands-on role in infrastructure projects, including road construction and affordable housing initiatives, ensuring that local communities benefit through employment opportunities.
The Head of State also directed chiefs to integrate their services into the digitized public services platform to improve efficiency and transparency. Currently, over 27,000 government services have been integrated, with further expansions, including universal connectivity and the rollout of Jitume Labs in all wards, underway.
“Chiefs must fully adopt these digital systems, ensure accurate reporting, and support citizens in accessing services online,” Ruto added.
Government Cracks Down on Political Violence Ahead of 2027
At the same event, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a nationwide crackdown on political goons, following a wave of disturbances during Thursday’s by-elections.
“Together with the Inspector General, the government will hunt down the culprits and ensure they are brought to justice. This is to prevent any spillover into the 2027 General Elections,” CS Murkomen stated.
The President’s directives, coming just weeks after a major police recruitment exercise, underscore the government’s focus on strengthening security institutions, ensuring that newly appointed officers and administrative leaders are adequately trained, equipped, and ready to serve Kenyan communities effectively.
