US-Kenya security collaboration deepens as Kiganjo Police College set for modernisation

The United States is intensifying its security collaboration with Kenya through a substantial investment in police training, infrastructure and equipment at the National Police College in Kiganjo. The project, launched on August 28, 2026, aims to modernize police officer training and bolster the broader criminal justice system, addressing emerging threats such as terrorism, human and wildlife trafficking, and community safety concerns.

U.S. Ambassador Susan M. Burns highlighted the project's relevance in a complex security landscape, emphasizing its role in enhancing law enforcement capabilities from combating terrorism to ensuring safer communities. The initiative will focus on three key areas: police training, infrastructure improvement, and the provision of modern equipment.

Burns assured that the U.S. will support instructor capacity building, introduce talent management into training, and refurbish key facilities including the library, shooting range, and physical training areas. Beyond Kiganjo, the project will also support other criminal justice institutions through shared curricula and practices, fostering a network of institutions with elevated training standards.

The U.S. is partnering with Kenya's National Police Service and the UNODC, aligning the security cooperation with broader economic and diplomatic interests. Burns stressed the interconnection between security, development, and democratic stability, underscoring that security is paramount for economic progress and enabling young people to dream big.

She also characterized Kenya and the U.S. as equal stakeholders in a shared future, indicating that the partnership extends beyond conventional security assistance. The Kiganjo investment could serve as a pilot for evaluating the impact of enhanced training, facilities, and equipment on policing effectiveness. For Kenyan citizens, success will be gauged not only by the modernization of police infrastructure but also by the professionalism, effectiveness, and trustworthiness of officers.

Burns affirmed the U.S. commitment to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with Kenya, reinforcing that Kenya's increased security is in the interest of the United States.