Police service revamps communication strategy amid public trust and accountability concerns

The National Police Service (NPS) has undertaken a significant overhaul of its communication strategy in response to concerns surrounding public trust and accountability. On October 30, 2026, the service convened a validation exercise involving government agencies, oversight institutions, development partners, civil society representatives, and police officers to review and refine the proposed Public Communication Strategy.

This meeting, aimed at fostering greater inclusivity and responsiveness in police-community relations, was officially opened by Assistant Inspector General Hassan Aljir, who represented Inspector General Douglas Kanja. Aljir highlighted that the exercise gathered insights from both state and non-state actors, development partners, and officers stationed across the country.

Participants represented practical experiences from daily policing duties, alongside perspectives on public expectations, accountability, and community engagement from external stakeholders. The UNODC and IJM provided technical support for the strategy's development since its inception. Attendees included officials from the Interior Ministry, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, UNODC representatives, IJM representatives, representatives from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Court Journalists Association of Kenya, and Witness Protection Agency.

The validation exercise aimed to ensure that the strategy accurately reflects the realities, expectations, and communication needs within which the National Police Service operates. It also sought to confirm whether the views gathered during broader consultations had been adequately incorporated. The proposed framework emphasizes trust and accountability, addressing public scrutiny over police conduct, including allegations of human rights violations and excessive use of force during protests.

Concerns have been documented by Human Rights Watch and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, which recorded 65 fatalities and injuries to civilians and police officers during protests between 2023 and 2025. The strategy's success will depend on the police service's ability to enhance public engagement through transparent handling of complaints, timely disclosure of verified information, and consistent responses to community concerns.