The National Police Service (NPS) has postponed its scheduled recruitment exercise following a directive from the Employment and Labour Relations Court. 

In a statement on Thursday, October 2, NPS confirmed that the exercise, which was set to commence on Friday, October 3, will now be held at a later date yet to be announced.

“In accordance with the Order of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, issued on 2nd October 2025 in Petition No. E196 of 2025 (Harun Mwau v. Inspector General of Police, the National Police Service Commission & 2 Others), the police recruitment exercise scheduled to commence on 3rd October 2025 has been postponed until further notice,” the statement read.

NPS assured the public that it is actively seeking legal channels to resolve the matter so that the recruitment process can resume without unnecessary delays.

“The National Police Service, in conjunction with the National Police Service Commission, is actively pursuing appropriate legal remedies to ensure the recruitment exercise can resume at the earliest opportunity,” the statement added.

Earlier Thursday, the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued an interim order suspending the nationwide police recruitment drive.

The decision followed an urgent petition filed by former Member of Parliament Harun Mwau challenging the recruitment process.

In its ruling, the court directed that the entire process be put on hold until the petition is heard and determined. 

Justice Hellen Wasilwa granted conservatory orders restraining the implementation of the recruitment exercise and set October 21 for mention of the case to confirm compliance and address submissions from all parties. 

“The Respondents have seven days to file their response,” the court order states, directing the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the Inspector General of Police to respond to the petition within the stipulated timeframe.

The petitioner, in turn, would also be required to file affidavits and written submissions in the same period.

The planned recruitment drive was intended to enlist 10,000 new police constables across the country from October 3 to October 9.

To partake in the recruitment drive, applicants are required to be citizens of Kenya, hold a valid Kenyan National Identity Card, and be aged between 18 and 28 years.

They are also required to have a minimum KCSE mean grade of D+ (with D+ in English or Kiswahili), be physically and medically fit, and be of good character, with no criminal record or pending criminal charges.