Nairobi is set to introduce mandatory body cameras for officers serving under the planned Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit in a move aimed at improving accountability, transparency, and evidence collection during police operations.
Sakaja Announces “Smart Policing” Plan
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said all officers deployed under the new policing unit will be required to wear body-worn cameras as part of a broader smart policing strategy.
According to Sakaja, the cameras will help reduce cases of misconduct while enhancing professionalism and public trust in law enforcement operations.
“To prevent incidents, they will have mandatory body cameras,” Sakaja stated, noting that the devices will be standard issue for officers in the new metropolitan policing structure.
Joint Programme Between County and National Government
The initiative is expected to be implemented through a joint arrangement between the Nairobi County Government and the national government under Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Reports indicate that procurement of the body cameras will be handled centrally, while counties will contribute toward implementation of the programme.
Focus on Accountability and Evidence Collection
County officials say the technology-driven approach is intended to strengthen accountability during police operations and improve documentation of incidents through digital evidence collection.
The move signals a shift toward more modern and technology-based policing systems in the capital.
Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit in the Works
The body camera rollout forms part of broader reforms tied to the planned Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
The new unit is expected to work alongside existing national policing structures while specifically addressing urban security challenges within the city.
Authorities say more details on recruitment, deployment, and operational structures are expected to be unveiled ahead of the official rollout.
