The Administration Police Service (APS) is one of the three branches of the National Police Service (NPS) alongside the Kenya Police Service (KPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of the Administration Police Service heads the APS and is answerable to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
1. Composition of the Administration Police Service
The Administration Police Service consists of the following ranks as outlined in the First Schedule of the National Police Service Act:
- Inspector-General
- Deputy Inspector-General
- Senior Assistant Inspector-General
- Assistant Inspector-General
- Senior Superintendent
- Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent
- Chief Inspector
- Inspector
- Senior Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Constable
The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, on the advice of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), may amend the ranks through a Gazette Notice.
2. Functions of the Administration Police Service
The Administration Police Service is tasked with maintaining law and order, security, and peace in Kenya. Its primary functions include:
(a) Public Safety and Law Enforcement
- Providing assistance to the public in times of need.
- Maintaining law and order, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Preserving peace and security in communities.
- Protecting life and property.
- Apprehending offenders and handing them over for prosecution.
(b) Border and Strategic Security
- Providing border patrol and border security to safeguard national sovereignty.
- Providing specialized stock theft prevention services, particularly in cattle-rustling-prone areas.
- Protecting government property, vital installations, and strategic points under the direction of the Inspector-General.
(c) Support to Government Agencies and Conflict Resolution
- Supporting other government agencies in law enforcement and administrative functions.
- Coordinating and complementing government agencies in conflict management and peacebuilding efforts.
(d) Additional Functions
- Carrying out any other duties as prescribed by the Inspector-General of Police under the National Police Service Act or any other written law.
3. Conclusion
The Administration Police Service (APS) plays a vital role in public safety, law enforcement, border security, and peacebuilding. Its mandate covers rural and urban security, government property protection, and crime prevention, making it an essential component of Kenya’s national security framework.
