Kenya: three new police divisions for Nairobi

By Cyrus Ombati

Three more police divisions have been created in Nairobi in efforts to address crime levels and bring services closer to residents.

Starehe, Makadara and Dagoretti police divisions will be based in Pangani, Industrial Area and Dagoretti chief’s camp respectively.

The new divisional commanders are expected to officially take over on Wednesday, in low-key ceremonies, The Standard has learnt.

Consequently, the Flying Squad headquarters has been moved to Nairobi Area provincial headquarters.

The officers serving under Flying Squad will now be operating from Nairobi Area near Kenya Anti Corruption Commission offices and those with complaints are asked to visit there.

The other administrative functions of Industrial Area and Dagoretti will remain intact.

Nairobi Area PPO Anthony Kibuchi explained the increase in population in the targeted areas had prompted authorities to create the divisions.

"It is important for the public to know where they will seek services because we are here for them," he said.

Before their subdivision, Starehe was under Kasarani Police Division, which is almost 10km away. Industrial Area fell under Embakasi, which is 15km away, while Dagoretti was under Lang’ata that is equally far.

Starehe will serve Eastleigh area, Mathare slums and parts of Muthaiga while Industrial Area will serve parts of the expansive Mukuru slums, South B, Industrial Area, Mombasa Road and adjacent areas.

Dagoretti will serve Satelite and surrounding areas, part of Karen and Kawangware, officials said yesterday.

The new division commanders have since been allocated vehicles and other resources.

The move brings to more than ten, the police divisions in Nairobi. They include Central, Buruburu, Kayole, Ongata Rongai, Kajiado North, Embakasi, Kasarani, Lang’ata, Kilimani and Gigiri.