Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government will recruit 10,000 new police officers in the next financial year, 2025-2026. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to ensure that the National Police Service (NPS) is adequately resourced to address the country’s security challenges.
Speaking during the National Police Service Development Partners Roundtable at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete, Nairobi, Murkomen acknowledged the existing gaps in police recruitment, citing financial constraints as a major obstacle in recent years. He noted that the government has been unable to hire new officers over the past three to four years, leading to a strain on existing police stations across the country.
“We are conscious of the fact that in the last three to four years, we have not been able to hire or recruit new police officers, and that has put a big strain in most police stations,” Murkomen stated. “I am glad to announce that in the next financial year and in a process that will begin from this financial year in a month or two, we shall be going out to recruit another 10,000 police officers to make sure that the police service is resourced.”
The CS acknowledged concerns from the public regarding the decreasing number of police officers in various stations and emphasized the need for a structured approach to police recruitment. He called for the formulation of a comprehensive plan to facilitate the annual hiring of officers and maintaining records to monitor the progress over time.
Beyond recruitment, Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of police officers. He highlighted the implementation of recommendations from the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, including the launch of affordable mortgage schemes, the decentralization of services, and the establishment of a contributory benevolent fund. These measures, he said, are designed to enhance motivation and productivity within the force.
Murkomen also urged development partners and the private sector to collaborate with the government in supporting the NPS, emphasizing that a well-resourced and motivated police service is essential for maintaining national security.
