-
The National Police Service is planning to recruit new officers in late 2025, with a focus on cadet officers, after a two-year recruitment suspension.
-
Interior PS Raymond Omollo stated that the recruitment efforts are in line with reforms implemented by the National Task Force on Police Reforms under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice David Maraga.
-
The police commissioner outlined a seven-year modernization plan, which comprises digital police stations and the introduction of a digital Occurrence Book to optimize operational efficiency.
The National Police Service (NPS) is set to begin the process of hiring new officers, ending a two-year pause, with a primary emphasis on introducing cadet officers into the service.
The change, scheduled to take place in the second half of 2025, is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the service and address long-standing inconsistencies found in police procedures.
Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo stated that the recruitment process is in line with the recommendations of the National Task Force on Police Reforms, which was headed by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
According to Omollo, the choice to recruit cadet officers was made in response to particular concerns within the police service, with a focus on addressing human resources issues.
This change will allow officers to join the police force at different levels of seniority, replacing the previous system in which new recruits entered the force at the same level.
There are several human resources matters that we need to address. There are also concerns about human rights that require our attention. It has even been proposed to reinstate the recruitment of cadet police officers, so that not everyone who joins the police force must start at the same level. All of these measures aim to address the issues you mentioned.
Subscribe to watch new videos.
What reforms are being implemented in the police service
The Public Service observed that several suggestions from the police reform task force had been implemented.
Enhancements have been implemented to monitor officer rotations and prevent instances where officers remain assigned to specific stations for extended periods, a problem that previously existed.
Recently, a 20% salary increase has been implemented for all police force personnel as part of a larger initiative to enhance working conditions and boost officer morale within the force.
Lonolo defended the conduct of the police officers that has recently been under investigation, stating that the measures are intended to enhance the National Police Services units and restore public trust.
The fact that they are police officers doesn’t diminish their humanity, and they still need our empathetic understanding; they still require our support. While we have to deal with any bad elements, we actually have a significant number of patriotic officers who dedicate themselves to protecting us all.
Further, Omollo elaborated on a seven-year police modernization plan, which encompasses the introduction of an electronic Incident Report (IR) and the establishment of digital police stations.
The Salary Commission has approved a salary increase for police officers
President William Ruto has instructed the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to reassess civil servants’ salaries, planning a possible 7% to 10% increase effective from August 2024.
The SRC (Salaries and Remuneration Commission) suggested a salary increase of 27.1 billion Kenyan shillings for public employees, with 3.6 billion set for the Kenya National Police Service (NPS).
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has confirmed a salary increase, which will result in the lowest-paid officers earning KSh 34,135.
