Security operations in Kisumu East received a tangible upgrade on Friday as Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja commissioned the new Chiga Police Station, signaling a shift from makeshift posts to modern policing infrastructure.

The opening of this facility is more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting; it addresses a chronic issue in the National Police Service where dilapidated working conditions have long been cited as a hindrance to effective law enforcement and officer morale.

A Model of Local Partnership

The modern station was constructed through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) under the patronage of Kisumu East Member of Parliament Shakeel Shabbir. The National Police Service (NPS) described the project as a benchmark for how community leadership can plug resource gaps in the security sector.

While touring the facility, Inspector General Kanja commended the local leadership for prioritizing security infrastructure. He characterized the station as a “modern, dignified, and well-equipped policing environment,” noting that the physical state of a police station directly influences the psychological state of the officers manning it.

According to the police chief, the benefits of the new Chiga station include:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: A centralized, modern hub for coordinating patrols and response.
• Conflict Resolution: Dedicated spaces for handling disputes, moving away from the chaotic atmosphere of older stations.
• Officer Morale: A dignified work environment that fosters professional pride.

Beyond Bricks and Mortar

However, the Inspector General was quick to caution that infrastructure alone does not guarantee safety. In a direct address to the officers deployed to Chiga, Kanja emphasized that a modern building demands a modern approach to service.

He urged the command to match the improved environment with a renewed commitment to integrity, warning that the public expects a return on this investment in the form of fair and diligent service.

“Upgraded facilities come with greater responsibility,” Kanja reminded the officers, setting a clear expectation that the new walls must house a new standard of professionalism for the people of Kisumu.