Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat inspects a parade at Kiganjo police college on August 21, 2026/COURTESY
Police recruits have been urged to embrace technology and innovation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve policing and enhance service delivery.
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat said the new generation of officers was joining the service at a time when policing was undergoing rapid technological change.
Lagat spoke at the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, where he presided over a rehearsal ahead of the recruits’ pass-out.
He challenged the recruits to take advantage of emerging technologies while continuously upgrading their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in a changing policing environment.
“Policing demands that you change with time, and therefore, you must at all times update yourself on suitable competencies to remain relevant and proactive in policing,” Lagat said.
He said the recruits had grown up in an era defined by digital innovation, giving them an advantage in adapting new technologies to policing.
“You are a generation raised in a rapidly technological and digital innovation era. These innovations, which include artificial intelligence, provide great opportunities in enhancing efficiency in many operations across all disciplines, including policing as well,” he said.
Lagat urged the recruits to keep abreast of global developments and use technology to positively transform the service.
However, he cautioned them against irresponsible use of social media, particularly sharing sensitive or confidential information relating to police operations, training and administration.
“I caution you on irresponsible use of social media platforms to communicate sensitive and confidential information regarding the Service operations, training, communication, administrative matters, among others,” he said.
The DIG warned that officers who violate regulations governing the use of social media would face disciplinary action.
“You must use social media prudently,” he said.
Lagat also challenged the recruits to uphold integrity, professionalism, accountability and competence as they begin their careers.
He urged them to exercise financial discipline and avoid unnecessary borrowing, saying personal financial challenges could affect their ability to perform their duties effectively.
The DIG further cautioned the recruits against alcohol and substance abuse, urging them to maintain emotional and mental stability.
“For you to perform your duties satisfactorily, you must be an officer who is emotionally stable, of sound mind, and face responsibility and life,” he said.
Lagat said the National Police Service takes the mental health of officers seriously and has support systems that recruits and serving officers can use whenever they face challenges.
He encouraged officers experiencing difficulties to seek professional assistance from the Guidance and Counselling Department and Chaplaincy instead of turning to substance abuse.
The DIG said the nine-month training had equipped the recruits with physical and mental resilience required to serve in the police service.
He expressed confidence that the recruits had been adequately prepared for their new responsibilities and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training.
“As you prepare to begin your career as a police officer, always remember and apply the knowledge and skills gained during your training,” Lagat said.
He said the recruits were expected to become professional, efficient, transformational and accountable officers committed to serving Kenyans.
The recruits are expected to hold the pass-out parade on August 28 after completing their training at the Kiganjo police college.
