Parliament on Tuesday confirmed Douglas Kanja’s appointment as Inspector General of the Police Service, despite his age exceeding the usual retirement age for public servants. Kanja, who is 60 years old, has been approved for a four-year term, a decision that marks a departure from the standard regulations set by President William Ruto.
President Ruto’s directive had established a retirement age of 60 for public servants, with no extensions beyond this age, aimed at implementing cost-cutting measures. However, this regulation was bypassed in Kanja’s case, allowing him to continue serving beyond the typical retirement age.
Background on Appointment:
- Nomination and Vetting: Kanja’s nomination by President Ruto followed his role as acting Inspector General after Japheth Koome’s resignation on July 12. The parliamentary vetting process, conducted by a joint committee from the National Assembly and the Senate, endorsed Kanja for the role.
- Career History: Kanja’s distinguished career began in 1985 as a Police Constable. He has held various key positions, including General Service Unit Commandant, Deputy Inspector General, Director of Criminal Investigations, and Commandant of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.
- Assets Declaration: During the vetting, Kanja declared a net worth of Sh46 million, including land, agricultural investments, and properties in Nairobi and rural areas. His Nairobi residence is a bungalow located in Kamiti, Kiambu County.
Challenges and Commitments:
- Police Service Challenges: Kanja acknowledged significant issues within the police service, including budget constraints and poor communication. He pledged to leverage technology to combat crime, seek additional funding, and enhance police training and communication.
- Vetting Process: The vetting, co-chaired by Senator William Cheptumo and MP Gabriel Tongoyo, addressed Kanja’s approach to tackling challenges such as banditry, corruption, and strained police-public relations. Senator Okong’o Omogeni raised concerns about police officers concealing their identities during arrests, emphasizing the need for transparency.
Future Outlook:
Kanja will face immediate and pressing challenges as Inspector General, including addressing police reforms, improving relations with the public, and tackling issues such as human trafficking and drug problems. His performance in these areas will be closely monitored by the nation.
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