Details of the new Nairobi security boroughs have been revealed as the government strengthens security and improves policing in the capital.
This comes ahead of the planned launch of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit on May 1, 2026.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said all is set for the launch of the unit, which will be mobilised to help manage security in the city.
The new boroughs named are Nairobi North, Nairobi West, and Nairobi East. This is part of a broader plan to enhance security operations, as ordered by President William Ruto.
The move comes a month after Ruto ordered the formation of a new police unit to help contain rising crime in the city.
President William Ruto with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at the Nairobi County Assembly on April 9, 2026. /HANDOUTDetails of the new arrangements have emerged amid confusion over how the system will be managed at different levels.
Murkomen announced that the city will now be managed under Nairobi North, Nairobi West, and Nairobi East, each overseen by dedicated police commanders to enhance operational efficiency.
The move follows growing concerns over rising crime levels within the city amid a surging population and shrinking resources. Officials said some of the leading crimes are linked to boda boda riders.
The Nairobi North sub-regional commander will be based at Pangani and will manage the Kasarani region, the central area, and parts of Eastleigh.
The Nairobi West sub-region will cover Westlands, Kilimani, Lang’ata, and Dagoretti areas, while Nairobi East will cover larger parts of Embakasi, Njiru, and Buruburu and will be based at Buruburu.
The Nairobi West command will be based at Kilimani, officials said.
Nairobi County is divided into 17 parliamentary constituencies, which also serve as sub-counties for administrative purposes. These constituencies are Westlands, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Lang’ata, Kibra, Roysambu, Kasarani, Ruaraka, Embakasi South, Embakasi North, Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi West, Makadara, Kamukunji, Starehe, and Mathare.
Each of these has at least five wards, making a total of 85 wards in the city, which are managed by police officers of the rank of inspector.
Officials said the three sub-regional offices will be headed by sub-regional police commanders and will report to the regional commander.
“They will be for operational purposes. We know there is a new metropolitan unit to be unveiled soon, and it will fit into this arrangement,” an official said.
In this arrangement, there is also the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), a specialised formation within the National Police Service (NPS), which is established to support National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in the execution of their lawful duties and to provide security across administrative units countrywide.
Under its mandate, the unit will render operational support to national government administrative officers, provide protective security to government officials, and support government agencies in enforcing national policies, laws, and regulations.
NGAPU officers will also provide security during lawful operations led by administrative officers, public functions, and community gatherings, working in collaboration with other security agencies.
The unit has also been authorised to apprehend offenders and preserve exhibits as first responders where applicable; support conflict management and peacebuilding initiatives; and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies during coordinated operations.
Additionally, the unit will enforce any other lawful orders as directed by the Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service.
The new development is part of an agreement signed between the county government and the national government in February 2026, which will require at least Sh80 billion to mobilise.
The agreement includes institutional reforms aimed at enhancing security in the capital, including the establishment of a Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, expected to be operational within 60 days.
Murkomen met the technical committee overseeing the unit’s formation and rollout.
“In line with President William Ruto’s directive and the cooperation agreement between the national government and Nairobi City County, we are committed to establishing the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit by May 1,” he said.
The unit is designed to strengthen security in the high-population capital, making the city safer for residents, visitors, and investors.
The committee briefed the CS on the proposed structure, command framework, and rollout strategy, including key milestones achieved and the road ahead.
Discussions centred on improving coordination, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring the unit fully aligns with the National Police Service mandate.
“The Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit marks a significant step toward a more responsive, efficient, and accountable policing system, ultimately aimed at enhancing safety and security for all residents,” Murkomen said.
The meeting was also attended by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Internal Security Principal Administrative Secretary Jacob Narengo, Internal Security Secretary Administration Thomas Saka, NPS Director of Reforms John Kamau, and other senior government officials.
Ruto had in February directed officials to roll out the unit in 60 days as part of an agreement between the national government and Nairobi County.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja explained how the deal signed with the national government will be implemented.
At the centre of the cooperation framework is an additional Sh80 billion investment package unlocked through the agreement between the county government and the national government, targeting critical infrastructure gaps that have long hindered the growth of the capital.
He said the largest share of the funding—about Sh33 billion—will go towards sewerage and sanitation infrastructure, a sector considered key to cleaning up Nairobi’s rivers and expanding access to sanitation services.
“The investment will fund the construction of two parallel 27-kilometre trunk sewer lines along the Nairobi River corridor, a new sewer treatment plant capable of processing 60,000 cubic litres of wastewater daily, and expanded last-mile sewer connections to households. An additional Sh15 billion has been earmarked for long-term sewer expansion across the city. This will also help address drainage challenges and bring visible change,” Sakaja explained.
Another Sh8.7 billion will be invested in roads, bridges, and drainage systems aimed at improving mobility and addressing flooding challenges that have affected several parts of the city during heavy rains. Part of the allocation includes Sh2 billion to fast-track completion of roads under the Kenya Urban Roads Authority.
“Energy and lighting infrastructure will receive Sh8.5 billion, including Sh3.7 billion for the installation of 50,000 new street lights across Nairobi, a move expected to enhance security and extend economic activity at night. The programme also sets aside Sh1.5 billion for transformers and last-mile electricity connections to reduce the cost of power for low-income households, as well as Sh3.3 billion for prepaid metering, transformers, and lighting in informal settlements,” he added.
In the water sector, Sh5.1 billion will be invested to address chronic supply shortages. The funding will support upgrades at the Ng’ethu Water Treatment Plant and the development of the Gigiri–Shauri Moyo water evacuation corridor, which will improve water distribution across the city.
Solid waste management will also receive a boost through a Sh6 billion package, combining Sh2 billion from the national government and Sh4 billion from Nairobi County to strengthen waste collection and disposal systems.
This leaves the new planned Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit with about Sh1 billion to manage its affairs
