Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tischand, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a meeting with officials of the New York City Police Department in New York, United States/HANDOUT.Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has arrived in New York City for a learning tour of the New York Police Department (NYPD) ahead of the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
The visit comes as the government moves to set up the specialised unit to strengthen security, maintain public order, tackle emerging criminal threats and enhance safety in Nairobi and its satellite towns.
"The New York Police Department will offer us insights into intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, technology integration, specialised urban operations, emergency response coordination, and crime prevention strategies, among other areas of our interest," Murkomen said ahead of the tour.
Murkomen noted that Nairobi, as one of Africa’s fastest-growing metropolitan centres, has in recent years faced evolving and increasingly complex security challenges.
In February, President William Ruto directed the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to address insecurity and protect economic interests within the capital.
With more than 35,000 uniformed officers, the NYPD is the largest municipal police department in the United States and is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading urban policing institutions.
"We are drawing lessons and best practices from NYPD because it's one of the world's most effective metropolitan police services," Murkomen said.
Upon arrival, the CS met NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, where discussions focused on a proposed memorandum of understanding between the Kenya Police Service and the NYPD on the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
Murkomen is accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, among other officials.
Also present was Kenya’s Ambassador to the United States, David Kerich.
