Government to Establish Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to Restore Order in Capital

President William Ruto has placed security and order at the heart of Nairobi’s transformation, announcing the establishment of a Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit as a key pillar in restoring discipline and effective governance in the capital.

Speaking during a special sitting of the Nairobi County Assembly, the President emphasised that the new unit will play a central role in enforcing the rule of law, tackling criminal networks and addressing long-standing issues of disorder that have hindered the city’s growth.

“As we deliver world-class infrastructure, let us all take a firm stand against lawlessness, impunity and cartelism,” Ruto said, underscoring the need for a strong enforcement framework to support development efforts.

The President thanked the Assembly for backing the Cooperation Agreement between the National Government and Nairobi City County, noting that it provides the foundation for coordinated action in addressing the city’s challenges.

“We are leveraging the Cooperation Agreement between the National Government and Nairobi City County to address longstanding challenges in the city and restore order to our capital city, the face of our nation,” he stated.

With security reforms taking precedence, Ruto outlined how the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit will complement broader efforts to overhaul governance in the city, ensuring that gains made in infrastructure and service delivery are protected from cartels and impunity.

Alongside the security agenda, the President detailed an ambitious infrastructure programme aimed at modernising Nairobi. This includes the installation of 50,000 street lights to improve safety and boost economic activity at night, as well as increased water supply by an additional 50,000 cubic metres per day.

Efforts to improve sanitation will see the construction of two 27-kilometre trunk sewer lines on both sides of the Nairobi River, supported by a treatment plant with a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres per day.

The government is also undertaking the construction of 247 kilometres of roads across the city and implementing a comprehensive overhaul of solid waste management systems.

On housing, Ruto revealed that 180,000 housing units and market stalls are planned, with 112,000 already under construction, as part of efforts to provide affordable housing and organised trading spaces.

He further highlighted flagship projects including the Talanta Sports City Stadium, the Bomas International Convention Complex, and the planned expansion and modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which he said is at an advanced stage.

Even as he outlined the development agenda, the President maintained that lasting change in Nairobi will depend on collective responsibility and a firm commitment to order.

“Let us be the generation that makes Nairobi work, imposes order where there is disorder, restores dignity where there is neglect, defeats cartels where there is capture, chooses reform over fear, and courage over convenience,” he urged.

The address signalled a shift toward a security-led transformation strategy, with the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit expected to anchor efforts to restore order while enabling sustainable development in the capital.