The National Police Service is ready to embark on a massive recruitment drive, but not without a fight! After a series of legal battles, the NPS is finally set to recruit 10,000 police constables across Kenya on November 17, 2025.
A New Recruitment Venue: In a recent update, the NPS announced a venue change for the recruitment drive. The exercise, which was initially planned for Kamukunji Sports Grounds, will now take place at Morrison Primary School, just two kilometers away. The original venue was deemed unsuitable due to ongoing construction, according to a statement.
A Day of Opportunity: The recruitment will be a one-day event, starting at 8 am and concluding at 5 pm. NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga encouraged qualified Kenyan youth to seize this opportunity, emphasizing that it’s not just a job offer but a chance to be part of a ‘new dawn for Kenya.’
Reforming the Force: Nyaga highlighted that successful candidates will join a new cohort, tasked with advancing the much-needed reforms within the police service. This statement comes amid concerns about corruption in past recruitment processes.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption: The NPS has issued a stern warning against bribery, assuring that anyone involved in bribery or corruption will face legal consequences. This includes both those who offer and receive illicit payments, leaving no room for corruption.
Legal Hurdles Cleared: The recruitment drive was initially halted by a High Court order in Nairobi on Friday. However, Justice Bahati Mwamuye lifted the order, allowing the process to proceed. The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had applied to have the orders lifted, and the court agreed to stay the conservatory orders issued on November 10, 2025.
Controversy and Constitutional Questions: But here’s where it gets controversial. Activist Eliud Matindi had filed a petition challenging the Inspector General’s authority to conduct the recruitment. Matindi argued that the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is constitutionally mandated to handle recruitment under Article 246(3)(a) of the Constitution. This led to a temporary halt in the recruitment process.
The Legal Battle Unfolds: Matindi’s petition named the Inspector-General, the NPSC, and the Attorney-General as respondents, with the National Police Service and Katiba Institute as interested parties. He claimed that the IG’s recruitment plans were unconstitutional, as they lacked express delegation from the NPSC as mandated by the National Police Service Commission Act.
With the legal hurdles now cleared, the NPS is ready to move forward with its recruitment drive. However, the controversy surrounding the process and the ongoing reforms within the police service will undoubtedly spark further discussion and scrutiny. What are your thoughts on this complex issue? Is the NPS on the right track, or is there more to be done to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process?