The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has issued new guidelines for the recruitment of 10,000 police constables across the country. The Commission says the regulations will promote transparency, ensure fairness, and strengthen accountability in the process.
The move comes after months of anticipation following President William Ruto’s directive to boost police numbers in the 2025–2026 financial year. With a clear roadmap approved, eligible applicants are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming exercise that will see successful recruits report to training colleges later in the year.
National Police Service Recruitment guidelines unveiled
The NPSC released the guidelines on September 5, stating that the exercise would be conducted under strict merit-based selection rules. According to the Commission, these measures are designed to curb corruption and favoritism that have marred past recruitment drives.
In its statement, NPSC emphasized that the process will be open and accessible to all qualified Kenyans. The roadmap outlines each stage, from application to final selection, ensuring every applicant is fairly evaluated.
The Commission revealed that it has already approved the instruments needed to begin recruitment immediately. This means that Kenyans eager to join the police service will soon be called upon to present their applications.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the government was working on finalizing the recruitment date. Speaking during a consultative meeting with Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs), Murkomen said the announcement will be made in the coming days.
Presidential directive on National Police Service Recruitment
President Ruto had earlier stressed the need to strengthen security by increasing the number of officers. On August 28, while presiding over the passing-out parade of National Youth Service (NYS) recruits in Gilgil, the President ordered that at least 4,000 of the 10,000 new recruits must come from the NYS.
This directive ensures that disciplined and trained young people from the NYS are absorbed into the police service. It also guarantees that the youth who have already demonstrated resilience and patriotism get opportunities for career growth.
The President’s move has been described by security experts as a strategy to enhance professionalism within the service while also rewarding the NYS graduates.
Key roles in the recruitment process
In addition to the guidelines, the Commission announced that Collette Suda has been elected as the new Vice-Chairperson. Suda will play a central role in overseeing the recruitment exercise and ensuring that the rules are strictly followed.
Her appointment comes at a critical time when public trust in police recruitment must be rebuilt. Past exercises have faced criticism for being opaque and riddled with irregularities. Suda’s leadership is expected to bring credibility and integrity to the process.
Interior CS Murkomen has also been actively involved in the preparations. He recently inspected security formations during the Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement in Laikipia, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving policing standards across the country.
What applicants should expect
Applicants will be required to meet strict qualifications, including academic, medical, and physical standards. The Commission will announce the official requirements in its public notice before the recruitment begins.
Successful candidates will undergo training in designated colleges across the country. Training will cover law enforcement, community policing, and professional ethics, equipping new officers with the skills needed to serve citizens effectively.
The NPSC has urged all applicants to avoid shortcuts and warned against falling prey to fraudsters who may exploit the process. Transparency, according to the Commission, remains the cornerstone of this recruitment drive.
Final word
The release of recruitment guidelines signals the start of one of the largest police intakes in recent years. With 10,000 positions open, the National Police Service Recruitment offers an opportunity for young Kenyans to serve their country while building stable careers.
The inclusion of NYS graduates reflects a deliberate strategy to boost professionalism in the police force. As the date nears, all eyes will be on NPSC and Interior CS Murkomen to ensure the exercise is conducted with fairness, integrity, and accountability.
