NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 28 — The National Police Service (NPS) and the United Kingdom are exploring areas of cooperation to strengthen police preparedness and promote peaceful elections ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

The discussions took place on Tuesday, during a consultative meeting hosted by National Police Leadership Academy Commandant David Mathiu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, with a delegation from the British High Commission led by Victoria Porter.

According to the NPS, the engagement focused on strengthening collaboration in community policing, public engagement, intelligence gathering, communication and conflict de-escalation.

The two sides also discussed public order management, contingency planning, multi-agency coordination and the development and testing of operational plans to improve preparedness for the 2027 polls.

The meeting underscored the importance of public trust, police accountability and constructive engagement between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Participants also explored ways to counter misinformation and hate speech while strengthening officers’ capacity to respond professionally to emerging challenges and uphold citizens’ rights.

The discussions identified priority areas for capacity development, exchange of expertise and sustained cooperation between the NPS and the United Kingdom.

The two sides reaffirmed the importance of partnerships in promoting dialogue and supporting a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.

Among those who attended were NPS Headquarters Director of Reforms John Kamau and Director of Training and Research Hassan Aljir.

The National Police Leadership Academy was represented by Director of Planning and Support Services Geoffrey Kathurima, Director of Logistics Gachihi Mungai, and Academy Adjutant and Director of ICT William Ngata, alongside other senior officers.

Kenya is scheduled to hold its next General Election in August 2027, with security preparedness and the management of public order among the issues facing law enforcement agencies ahead of the vote.