In a significant reshuffle aimed at strengthening leadership within the National Police Service (NPS), the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has announced the promotion of 738 officers across various ranks and units. This includes the elevation of 14 senior officers to the prestigious rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General (SAIG).
Among those promoted to SAIG are Adamson Bungei, the immediate former Nairobi police boss and current Director of Operations at Vigilance House, and Simon Mwangi Wanderi, formerly the Director of Personnel at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and now Director of Human Capital at NPS headquarters. Other notable promotions include Mathew Kuto, Principal Assistant to the Inspector General, and James Kabo, Commandant of the Police Air Wing.
The list also features Catherine Wanjiku Mugwe, Director of Personnel; Judy Chebet, Director of Community Policing; and Kyalo Peter Tito, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service. Jane Shako, Commandant of the Border Patrol Unit, and several high-ranking officers from the Administration Police Service, including Lazarus Opicho (Security of Government Buildings) and Hesborn Lusweti (Personnel), have also been elevated to SAIG.
The wave of promotions extends to other ranks, with 51 officers rising to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG). Among them are Muchiri Nyaga, NPS spokesperson; Ali Nuno, Coast Region Police Commander; and Benard Korir, Commandant of the Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU). Officers from DCI, including Janet Shako (Logistics) and George Kisaka (Nyanza), were also among those promoted.
Eliud Kinuthia, the chairman of the NPSC, confirmed that the promotions followed a thorough and competitive process, ensuring transparency and adherence to national values and principles. The selection considered regional, ethnic, and gender balance, aligning with Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution.
“Following recommendations from the Inspector General, the commission approved the promotion of 738 officers drawn from the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, and DCI across various ranks,” Kinuthia stated.
Additionally, 135 officers were promoted to Commissioner of Police (CP), 277 to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and 261 to Superintendent of Police (SP). The NPS also recognized 50 civilian staff members for their service with promotions across different cadres.
As the NPSC leadership approaches the end of its tenure in March, the commission continues to prioritize enhancing the welfare of police personnel. Recent efforts include establishing a dedicated counseling unit to address mental health challenges within the service, underscoring a commitment to holistic support for officers.
The promotions mark a strategic step in reinforcing effective leadership and operational efficiency across the National Police Service, ensuring the security and well-being of the nation remain paramount.
