National Police Service Commission picks 172 officers to fill top slots in new-look police structure

Senior police officers have been named to fill new ranks which were established after some posts were scrapped to ensure a lean command structure.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) announced it had created seven positions for Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG), 63 positions for Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and 102 for Commissioner of Police (CP).

Those named to the rank of NPSC are William Saiya (small arms), Patrick Owino (Airwing), Julius Kanampiu (IG office), Joseph Ashmala (Vigilance), Joel Kitili (GSU), Fred Mwei (AP headquarters) and Gideon Kimilu (CID headquarters).

Among those appointed to the position of AIG are King'ori Mwangi, Alice Naliaka, Leo Nyongesa, Miriam Muli, Kitoo Kapchanga, Eric Kiraithe and Francis Gachina (see full list on the right).

In creating the new ranks, the commission abolished the ranks of senior Deputy Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police and Assistant Commissioner of police.

Another rank for Assistant Superintendent of police was created, which is above the Chief Inspector. Commissioners of Police will be in charge of counties, the commission said.

"The new ranks reflect a leaner structure that will bring about effectiveness and efficiency in the service," said NPSC Chairman Johnston Kavuludi.

Brewing discontent

He said three SAIGs will be stationed in the IG's office, two in Deputy IG of Police and one in Deputy IG of Administration Police and Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The Director of CID will also get a new rank equivalent to the DIG.

Most of the AIGs will be based at the police headquarters to coordinate matters. Of the 198 officers so far vetted, 172 have been appointed to the new positions.

This means that most of the current county commanders who have not been vetted will be removed.

Sources have revealed that discontent is already brewing between Kenya Police Service and Administration Police Service over the appointment of seven SAIG, with APs saying they have been sidelined after they got only one slot out of the powerful seven slots.

There are familiar and new faces among the new police bosses appointed under the new ranking structure.

Many are now waiting to see how IG David Kimaiyo will make his deployment.

Concerns have also been raised that the list lacks gender balance. However, the commission said appointments were based on merit, seniority, regional and tribal balance.

The appointments end anxiety that has affected delivery of service.

Vetting of police officers was among the more than 200 proposals of a commission that was set up following the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The vetting is still ongoing.

The need for police reform was reinforced by recommendations made by the Waki Commission of Inquiry into the 2007 Post-election Violence.