Quick Answer
The National Police Service brings together the Kenya Police Service, the Administration Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, under one Inspector-General, with a separate commission handling staffing and an independent authority providing oversight.
Key facts
- The NPS is led by the Inspector-General.
- It includes the Kenya Police and Administration Police Services.
- The DCI handles criminal investigations.
- The National Police Service Commission handles recruitment and discipline.
The components of the NPS
The National Police Service (NPS), established under Article 243, is made up of:
- The Kenya Police Service — general policing and law and order;
- The Administration Police Service — border, critical-infrastructure and specialised policing;
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) — investigating serious and complex crime.
Who leads it
The whole service is headed by the Inspector-General of Police, who has independent command of the service, with deputies for the Kenya Police and Administration Police.
Staffing and standards
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) recruits, appoints, promotes and disciplines officers, while the Internal Affairs Unit handles internal complaints — keeping the people side of policing separate from operational command.
Why this matters to you
Knowing the structure helps you direct an issue correctly — a serious crime to the DCI, a staffing or conduct concern to the right body — and understand who is responsible for what.
Frequently asked questions
What makes up the National Police Service?
The Kenya Police Service, the Administration Police Service and the DCI.
Who leads the police?
The Inspector-General of Police.
Who handles police recruitment and discipline?
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Articles 243–247 — klrc.go.ke
- National Police Service Act — kenyalaw.org