Ruto Orders Creation of Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit in 60 Days
The directive was issued on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the signing of the Nairobi County–National Government Cooperation Agreement at a State House function attended by senior government officials and county leadership.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Head of State emphasised that security remains a central pillar in positioning the capital as a modern global city.
“I therefore direct the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to prepare and present a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit,” the President stated.
The proposed Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU) will operate in coordination with county security structures and national law-enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance, response capacity, and crime prevention across the capital’s metropolitan zones.
According to the President, the initiative seeks to reassure residents, investors and visitors amid rising urban safety concerns associated with rapid population growth and economic expansion.
“We will make, and we must make Nairobi safe for citizens, visitors, investors, and businesses alike,” Ruto affirmed.
Murkomen was granted a strict 60-day timeline to design and submit the operational and legal framework outlining the unit’s mandate, command structure, and integration with existing policing systems.
Cooperation Between National and County Governments
The directive formed part of a broader cooperation pact between the national government and the county administration led by Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Ruto noted that joint initiatives between the two levels of government have already delivered measurable outcomes, particularly in urban regeneration programs.
The President cited the ongoing Nairobi River restoration project as an example of successful collaboration, saying it has provided employment opportunities for tens of thousands of youth in the county.
He further urged the governor to accompany him on inspection tours of ongoing development projects to monitor progress and ensure accountability in implementation.
“The cooperation between the national and county government is not new; it is already producing results that citizens can see,” he said.
Security, Development and Investment
Government officials indicated that the metropolitan policing unit is expected to focus on high-density urban areas, business districts, transport corridors and public spaces where security incidents have been most reported.
Authorities believe the move will strengthen investor confidence and support Nairobi’s ambition of becoming a regional commercial and diplomatic hub.
The President also revealed that the cooperation agreement includes an initial capital investment package worth approximately KSh80 billion to fund infrastructure, environmental restoration and urban service projects under the joint framework.
“This partnership is an amplification of what is already in motion and will deliver measurable impact and expanded opportunities,” Ruto added.
Related Government Actions
The announcement came shortly after the President nominated new leadership to the National Land Commission, whose names have been forwarded to Parliament for vetting and approval.
Government sources say the security reforms and land governance changes form part of a wider urban management strategy intended to improve planning, safety and economic activity in the capital.
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Ruto Orders Creation of Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit in 60 Days
