The National Police Service will resume officer recruitment in September, ending a three-year freeze caused by budget constraints, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced.
Speaking on Sunday, Kanja said the exercise will help address a shortage of about 5,000 officers and move the service closer to the United Nations’ recommended police-to-population ratio of 1:450.
“We expect the recruitment exercise to take place around September or October. Remember, for the last three years we haven’t enlisted new officers to beef up our numbers as we aim to attain the United Nations’ recommended ratio of 1:450,” Kanja said.
The last mass recruitment was in 2022, with the newly enlisted officers graduating the following year. In the three years without recruitment, the service lost personnel through retirement, resignation, dismissal, and death.
Kanja noted that the police are currently overstretched, tackling multiple security threats including cattle rustling, banditry, terrorism, homicides, carjackings, violent robberies, human trafficking, drug trafficking, smuggling, and traffic offences.
He warned that inadequate personnel, resources, and equipment limit the service’s ability to effectively respond to such crimes.
In a bid to enhance transparency, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has developed a secure, digital recruitment system to curb corruption.
“We have undertaken all necessary steps to ensure the next recruitment is conducted digitally. This will help seal corruption loopholes within the recruitment process,” said NPSC Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley.
However, Kanja clarified that the new digital platform will not be used in the upcoming intake, as it still requires public participation and benchmarking before its rollout.
Last Thursday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo encouraged young Kenyans to seize the opportunity once dates are officially announced.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hinted at sweeping reforms for the recruitment, including eliminating bribery, extending the recruitment period, involving more stakeholders, and ensuring all activities end by 4:00 pm.
Murkomen also warned against past practices where successful applicants were allegedly removed from the list or asked for bribes disguised as “medical letters.”
