President William Ruto has solidified the leadership of Kenya's security oversight systems with the appointment of three new members to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC): former Gender Principal Secretary Collette A. Suda, retired Assistant Inspector General Benjamin Juma Imai, and retired Assistant Inspector General Peris Muthoni Kimani. These significant appointments, effective immediately for a non-renewable term of six years, were officially announced in a gazette notice dated Friday, June 27, 2025, underscoring the government's commitment to reforming the national police service.

Professor Collette Suda's appointment is a notable highlight. Having concluded her vetting by the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security weeks prior to the announcement, her selection is rooted in the powers conferred by Article 246 (2) (a) of the Constitution, read alongside section 6 (8) of the National Police Service Commission Act, 2011. Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Suda has held various key positions, including Principal Secretary for Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs, and Special Programmes, Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, and both Principal Secretary and Chief Administrative Secretary roles within the Ministry of Education, particularly in the State Department of University Education and Research. During her vetting on June 9, 2025, she successfully defended her suitability for the NPSC role despite questions regarding her lack of direct policing experience, emphasizing her extensive background in academia and public service as valuable assets to the commission's mandate.

Benjamin Juma Imai, a seasoned police veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the NPSC, having served a remarkable 40-year career that culminated in his retirement as an Assistant Inspector General. During his vetting, Mr. Imai articulated a clear vision for police reform, pledging to prioritize accountability and institutional changes. He specifically committed to implementing recommendations from the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga, stressing the necessity to examine organizational structures and ensure robust accountability among police officers. Declaring a net worth of Sh27 million, Imai also underscored the critical importance of strengthening independent oversight bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). He articulated his belief that trust could be restored through transparency, public apologies, and holding officers truly accountable for their actions.

Peris Muthoni Kimani, the third appointee, also brings a distinguished career in law enforcement to the NPSC. She rose through the ranks from a Constable to achieve the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police before her retirement in 2022, demonstrating a deep understanding of police operations and personnel management from an insider's perspective.

The National Police Service Commission, as mandated by law, is structured to ensure comprehensive oversight and governance of the police service. It comprises nine members in total: a Chairperson, who must be qualified to be appointed as a High Court judge; two retired senior police officers, one each from the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service, who must be of the opposite gender; three persons of integrity with a track record of public distinction, appointed by the President following parliamentary approval; and finally, the Inspector General of Police and both Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, who serve as ex officio members, bringing their operational expertise to the Commission.

These strategic appointments come at a crucial time, signaling President Ruto's resolve to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust within the country's law enforcement agencies. Beyond the NPSC, related appointments have also been made to bolster oversight mechanisms: Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau, has appointed Lucy Minayo Lugatia and Anthony Nzau Musau as members of the Complaints Commission, each for a period of three years, further demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to security sector reform.