TRANSFORMING POLICING: NPLA HOSTS EXTERNAL VALIDATION OF STATION YOUTH LIAISON OFFICERS' CURRICULUM

The National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) hosted an External Validation Session for the Station Youth Liaison Officers’ (SYLO) curriculum on Thursday, 6th November 2025. Developed under the UNDP Programme, this initiative brought together police leadership, development partners, and stakeholders committed to strengthening trust between law enforcement and young people across the country. The SYLO curriculum is a transformative training framework designed to equip officers with practical skills in communication, mentorship, peace building, and youth engagement. It is based on competency-based training and draws from ongoing police reforms, the NPS Training Policy, and global best practices in community-oriented policing. 

The curriculum aligns with the agenda, vision, and endeavor of the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja, to transform police stations and other service areas into centres of excellence for police operations. The Commandant NPLA Mr. David Mathiu, AIG, applauded the Inspector General for empowering officers to understand and respond proactively to youth-related issues. The programme seeks to shift policing from enforcement to partnership. It aims to enhance social cohesion, promote dialogue, and foster trust, ensuring young people are treated as partners in national stability and development. NPS expressed its appreciation for the support of the UNDP and all stakeholders, whose contributions continue to advance inclusive, youth-sensitive, and community-driven policing in Kenya. 

Senior officers from the NPS present during the event included the Deputy Commandant of the NPLA, Dr. David Muthondeki, CP; Mr. Daniel Musangi, CP, from the DCI; the Dean of Students at the NPLA, Ms. Sicily Gatiti, CP; Mr. Peter Njoroge, SSP from the Kenya Prisons Service; and Mr. Nicodemus Alumasa, SP, from the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo; among other senior officers. 

Also in attendance were representatives from various organizations, including Mr. Kennedy Ochieng from the Witness Protection Agency; the Director Sergeant-at-Arms from the Senate, Major Samson Sorobit; Mr. Gitonga Muriuki from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Ms. Peggy Ngaira from the Office of the Ombudsman; Ms. Charity Mbogo from the Judiciary; Mr. Munene Mugambi from the IPOA; and Ms. Jen Redway from UN Women; among others.