EXPLAINER: Process of opening a police station

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, senior police officers in Uasin Gishu were treated to a rude shock after they found a man masquerading as a police officer running a police post illegally. The illegal police post was located in Cheboror area, Kesses, in Uasin Gishu County.

It operated without the knowledge of authorities. How long the police post has been operational remains unclear. The suspect behind the police post is a resident of Asis village of Ndugulu Location, Kesses Sub County of Uasin Gishu County.

Police said they are investigating the issue. It is no secret that the process of establishing a police station or a police post involves a bureaucratic process to be launched and operated.

Such facilities need an armory, cell, offices, and toilets that are functional, among other critical facilities, before they are launched and operated. According to the National Police Service Act, 2011, the creation of a police station or police post is a reserve for the Inspector General of the National Police Service.

It, however, must be done through a gazette notice and must be equally distributed in each of the 47 counties.

“The Inspector-General may, by a notice in the Gazette designate police stations,” it reads in part.

“In designating police stations under subsection (1), the Inspector-General shall ensure that such police stations are equitably distributed throughout each county.”

First and foremost, a formal request by area residents has to be made through their leaders. The National Police Service and the IG then approve the request, which must seconded by the Ministry of Interior and funding provided for it, as well as policy direction.

A feasibility study follows, which, upon final approval, land is identified and construction commences. These police stations then serve as units for police service delivery, including being the centre for the administrative and command functions of all police services under the Service in one station; and provide room for operational creativity to the police officers from all the services under the Service.

The Inspector General shall ensure the development of procedures which facilitate uniform keeping of records at all police stations.

“Each police station shall register the victims of crime and violence within their areas of jurisdiction and establish support schemes for them. Each station shall have a facility to receive, record and report complaints against police misconduct.”

According to the Act, the Inspector-General may by Regulations establish outposts and other units which shall reflect the principles under the Constitution of Kenya.