Ruto Directs Creation of Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit Amid Rising CBD Crime
Nairobi’s security troubles are back in the spotlight — and this time, President William Ruto says enough is enough.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 17, during the signing of a cooperation agreement between Nairobi County and the national government, the President unveiled a major directive: the creation of a special police unit dedicated solely to the capital.
For a city that never really sleeps, and one that carries Kenya’s economic heartbeat, the message was clear — safety can’t be optional.
Ruto Gives 60-Day Deadline for New Police Framework
President Ruto did not mince his words.
“I therefore direct the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to prepare and present a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit,” Ruto directed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen now has 60 days to draft and present the framework for what will be known as the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU).
The President emphasized that this unit will not operate in isolation. Instead, it will work closely with Nairobi County’s security structures to ensure a coordinated response to crime.
“We will make, and we must make Nairobi safe for citizens, visitors, investors, and businesses alike,” asserted President Ruto.
That statement carried weight. Nairobi is not just another county — it is the country’s diplomatic hub, business nerve center, and a magnet for regional investment. Any perception of insecurity hits deeper here.
Security a “Non-Negotiable” for a Modern Capital
Ruto described security as “non-negotiable” for a modern capital city.
And honestly, many Nairobi residents would agree.
Over the past year, complaints about phone snatching, daylight muggings, and break-ins have steadily grown louder. Walk through parts of the CBD after dusk — or sometimes even mid-morning — and you can sense the unease.
Hotspots such as Archives, Kencom, Odeon, Railways, River Road, and Muthurwa have repeatedly been flagged for muggings and pickpocketing. For traders and commuters, it’s become a daily gamble.
The formation of the NMPU appears to be a direct response to these growing concerns.
Crime Data Paints a Complicated Picture
While the city often feels unsafe, official figures present a mixed story.
According to the 2025 Economic Survey and findings from the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), Nairobi accounted for 9.6 per cent of national crimes, with 11,108 reported cases in 2023. However, a mid-2025 analysis indicated a 13.92 per cent reduction in crime compared to the previous year.
A drop on paper, yes — but for many residents, perception still matters.
The NCRC has also identified Nairobi as a leading county in homicide cases, singling out areas such as Embakasi and Dagoretti. Even more concerning, the city reportedly has 56 active criminal gangs operating within its boundaries.
Trust is another issue.
A 2025 NCRC survey revealed that 59 per cent of youth expressed mistrust toward the police, with profiling cited as a major concern. That statistic alone raises a critical question: Will a new unit rebuild confidence, or deepen skepticism?
County-National Cooperation Not New, Says Ruto
The President was quick to point out that collaboration between the county and national government is not a new concept.
He cited the Nairobi River regeneration programme as a working example of what joint efforts can achieve. According to Ruto, the restoration project created employment opportunities for over 45,000 youth in Nairobi County.
He also urged Governor Johnson Sakaja to personally accompany him on an inspection tour of ongoing development projects in the county — a subtle but firm reminder that security and development must move together.
A Turning Point for Nairobi?
The Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit could mark a new chapter in how security is handled in the capital. Or it could become another bureaucratic addition that struggles to win public trust.
For now, what’s certain is this: Nairobi’s security debate has shifted from conversation to action.
And with a 60-day clock ticking, all eyes are on the Interior Ministry.
Will this specialized unit finally tame the city’s crime hotspots?
Nairobi residents are waiting.
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Ruto Directs Creation of Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit Amid Rising CBD Crime