The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has approved the nationwide recruitment of 10,000 new police constables.

On Friday, September 5, the commission’s leadership, chaired by Yuda Komora, convened to discuss key issues affecting the National Police Service (NPS).

During the meeting, they engaged with stakeholders in the security sector to map out collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing policing across the country.

“In recognition of these complementary constitutional roles, the Commission held a meeting today to deliberate on critical human resource matters within the Service. The deliberations were constructive, highlighting the shared responsibilities and hence commitment to strengthen collaboration, mutual respect and effective coordination in the management of the service,” a statement from the commission read.

The planned recruitment of police constables was among the key issues discussed. However, NPSC announced that it will enforce strict regulations to address past challenges in the hiring process. 

The commission emphasised that the new measures are designed to guarantee transparency and ensure that merit remains the guiding principle.

During the meeting, the Commission confirmed that 10,000 constables will be recruited under the newly adopted National Police Service Commission (Recruitment and Appointment) Regulations, 2025. These guidelines, developed under Section 28 of the NPSC Act, update the 2015 rules by addressing existing gaps and factoring in emerging issues in policing and human resource management. The aim is to streamline recruitment, enhance accountability, and prioritise merit-based selection.

The Commission also announced that advertisements for the vacancies will be published soon, encouraging qualified applicants to apply. Successful recruits are expected to join the police college before the end of the year.

Recruitment had been on hold after the government froze hiring across all police ranks due to financial constraints. Earlier this year, Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo stated that the exercise would resume in the second half of 2025 once funds were released.

He added that the process would follow recommendations from the Maraga-led National Taskforce on Police Reforms, which had toured the country gathering input on police working conditions and submitted proposals to President William Ruto.

Interestingly, on June 19 this year, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris appealed to Kenya’s youth to be part of the change they are pushing for in the NPS by enlisting with the service.

“When the next police recruitment opens up, don’t just criticise; take up the challenge; join the Kenya Police Service and be part of the change you want to see from within. The Kenya Police Service needs you,” she said.

Currently, Kenya has just over 100,000 police officers serving a population of about 55 million. The freeze in recruitment has worsened the police-to-civilian ratio, leaving officers overstretched as they struggle to serve a growing population.