Functions of the Deputy Inspector General in Kenya

The functions of the Deputy Inspector General in Kenya are crucial for the command of the National Police Service. Article 245 of the Constitution provides for two positions of Inspector General to head the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service respectively.

The President shall appoint each Deputy Inspector General of Police with the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission.

The Deputy Inspector-Generals of Kenya Police and Administration Police under the direction of the Inspector-General shall command, control and administer the service for which each of them is responsible.

The Inspector-General shall execute command by issuing lawful orders, directives or instructions to and through the Deputy Inspector-Generals.

Table of ContentsShow/Hide

Qualifications for Deputy Inspector-General In Kenya

A person is qualified for appointment as Deputy Inspector-General if the person–

• is a Kenyan citizen;
• holds a degree from a university recognized in Kenya or equivalent qualifications;
• has had a distinguished career in their respective fields;
• meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution (on leadership and integrity);
• has served the Police Service for at least fifteen years and has knowledge and experience in matters relating to any of the following disciplines–
  • criminal justice;
  • policy development and implementation;
  • finance and public administration;
  • strategic management;
  • security;
  • law;
  • sociology; or
  • Government;
• is a serving police officer of or above the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

No person shall be qualified for appointment as Deputy Inspector-General if the person–

• is a member of Parliament (National Assembly, the Senate or Women’s Representative) or a County Assembly, a Governor or Deputy Governor;
• has served as a member of Parliament, County Assembly, trade union or an office in a political party in Kenya in the preceding five years;
• has previously been convicted of any criminal offence;
• has violated the Constitution; or
• is an undischarged bankrupt.

Functions of the Deputy Inspector-General in Kenya

The functions of the Deputy Inspector General in Kenya depends on which arm of the National Police Service they are responsible.

Functions Of The Deputy Inspector-General Of The Kenya Police Service

Section 23 of the National Police Service Act states the functions of the Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service.

The Deputy Inspector-General for the Kenya Police Service shall subject to the direction, command and control of the Inspector-General–

• be responsible for the effective and efficient day-to-day administration and operations of the Kenya Police Service;
• implement policies and directions of the National Police Service in relation to the Kenya Police Service;
• prepare the budget, planning and provision of support for the Kenya Police Service;
• establish and maintain police stations, outposts, units or unit bases in the counties and determine the boundaries of the police stations, outposts or unit bases. Moreover, establish a facility in each police station for receiving, recording and reporting of complaints from members of the public;
• manage, monitor and evaluate the Kenya Police Service;
• undertake the supervision of the Kenya Police Service;
• co-ordinate training in the Kenya Police Service;
• provide internal oversight of the Kenya Police Service;
• establish and maintain a relationship between the Kenya Police Service and the community;
• improve transparency and accountability in the Kenya Police Service;
• co-operate and engage in joint security operations with the Deputy Inspector-General, in charge of the Administration Police Service, other Government departments or other security organs to ensure the safety and security of the public;
• implement the decisions of the Inspector-General;
• issue general, special, routine and standing orders in respect of the Kenya Police Service; and
• perform such other duties as the Inspector General may assign, or as the National Police Service Act or by any other written law may prescribe.

Functions of the Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police

Section 27 of the National Police Service Act states the functions of the Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service.

The Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Administration Police shall subject to the direction, command and control of the Inspector-General–

• be responsible for the effective and efficient day-to-day administration and operations of the Administration Police Service;
• provide strategic guidance and direction for the Administration Police Service;
• prepare the budget, planning and provision of support for the Administration Police Service;
• manage, monitor and evaluate the Administration Police Service;
• undertake the supervision of the Administration Police Service;
• establish and maintain outposts, units or unit bases in the county and determine the boundaries of the outposts or unit bases. Moreover, establish a facility in each police post or other premises for receiving, recording and reporting complaints from members of the public;
• co-ordinate training in the Administration Police Service;
• provide internal oversight of the Administration Police Service;
• establish and maintain a relationship between the Administration Police Service and the community;
• improve transparency and accountability in the Administration Police Service;
• co-operate and engage in joint security operations with the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Kenya Police Service, other Government departments or other security organs to ensure the safety and security of the public;
• implement the decisions of the Inspector-General;
• implement policies and directions of the National Police Service in relation to the Administration Police Service;
• issue general, special, routine and standing orders in respect of the Administration Police Service; and
• perform such other duties as the Inspector-General or the National Police Service Commission may assign, or as the National Police Service Act or any other written law may prescribe.

Removal of Deputy Inspector-General

The President of Kenya may remove, retire or redeploy a Deputy Inspector-General at any time before the Deputy-Inspector General attains the age of retirement.

For more about the functions of the Deputy Inspector General in Kenya, see the National Police Service Act.