The High Court has lifted the suspension on national police recruitment, allowing the exercise to proceed on November 17. This decision comes after a legal challenge by activist Eliud Matindi, who questioned the authority of the Inspector General of Police to conduct the recruitment independently. Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled in favor of resuming the process, clearing the way for thousands of prospective candidates to participate as scheduled.
The recruitment process is designed to enhance staffing and training ahead of the 2027 General Election. It marks a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s police force, ensuring that there are enough trained officers to meet the demands of the upcoming election cycle. The process had been temporarily halted earlier this month when Justice Mwamuye issued a stay order following Matindi’s petition.
Matindi argued that Inspector General Douglas Kanja did not have the constitutional authority to conduct the recruitment without oversight from the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). However, the court’s decision to lift the suspension suggests that the legal concerns raised were not sufficient to justify continued delays.
Kanja, represented by State Counsel Marwa Christopher, had previously urged the court to expedite the matter. He warned that further delays could jeopardize national security and hinder efforts to strengthen police capacity. The Inspector General also highlighted that postponements would leave insufficient time for proper training and deployment of new officers, which are critical for maintaining public safety.
Why police recruitment was initially halted
The recruitment process has faced multiple legal hurdles in recent weeks. In October, the Employment and Labour Relations Court nullified an earlier recruitment exercise, ruling that the NPSC did not have the mandate to oversee the process. Justice Hellen Wasilwa emphasized that recruitment, training, and delegation of duties to police officers fall solely under the National Police Service. This ruling paved the way for Kanja to announce fresh recruitment dates.
If the exercise proceeds as planned, it will significantly bolster Kenya’s police force ahead of the 2027 General Election. The recruitment is expected to bring in thousands of new officers, enhancing the country’s ability to maintain law and order during a critical period.
Where can ex-NYS members report for police recruitment?
In a related development, the National Police Service issued new guidelines for former National Youth Service (NYS) members ahead of the nationwide police constable intake. The update allowed ex-NYS applicants greater flexibility in choosing where to present themselves, making the process more convenient and accessible.
In addition to their usual home sub-county recruitment centres, former NYS members were allowed to report to three newly designated locations: NYS Headquarters in Ruaraka, Ole Polos Recruitment Centre in Kajiado West, and the Elangata Wuas DCC Office in Elangata Wuas, Narok West. The expansion aimed to reduce travel burdens and streamline the recruitment process for applicants from different regions.
This move reflects the National Police Service’s commitment to making the recruitment process more inclusive and efficient. By providing additional options for reporting, the service is ensuring that all eligible candidates have a fair opportunity to participate. The new guidelines are expected to improve the overall experience for applicants and help meet the staffing needs of the police force.
Overall, the resumption of the recruitment process is a positive development for Kenya’s law enforcement sector. It addresses long-standing challenges and paves the way for a more robust and capable police force. With the court’s decision to lift the suspension, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the recruitment is conducted efficiently and effectively.