Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has formally gazetted the establishment of a new police station and five additional posts, a strategic move aimed at plugging security gaps in rapidly urbanizing areas. The decision, effective immediately, signals a push to bring law enforcement closer to the mwananchi in Kiambu, Kisumu, Migori, Wajir, Kajiado, and Meru counties.

In a Gazette Notice dated January 23, 2026, the IG exercised his powers under Section 40(1) of the National Police Service Act to upgrade the security infrastructure. The move is a response to the growing population density in satellite towns, which has often outpaced the police’s ability to respond to distress calls effectively.

The New Map of Security

The upgrades include:

• Kamuguga Police Station (Kiambu): Elevated to a full station to handle the surge in crime along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway corridor.
• Otonglo Post (Kisumu West): Targeting the peri-urban growth around Kisumu City.
• Mabera Post (Kuria West): Strengthening border security in Migori.
• Lagbogol Post (Wajir West): A critical addition for the volatile northern frontier.
• Gataka Post (Kajiado North) & Thuura Post (Imenti East): Addressing residential burglaries and local disputes.

Boots on the Ground

While gazettement is a crucial legal step, security experts warn that structures alone do not fight crime. "A building is not a police service," noted a security analyst. "These stations need vehicles, fuel, and motivated officers who are not asking for 'chai' to fuel the land cruiser."

For the residents of Kamuguga and Gataka, however, the news is a relief. The proximity of a station means faster response times and a visible deterrent to criminals who have terrorized these neighborhoods. IG Kanja’s move is a step in the right direction, but the real test will be in the service delivery.