Government and Policy

Government Changes Entry Points For Police Recruitment

BY Getrude Mathayo · October 9, 2023 08:10 am

The government has approved recommendations by the Police Reforms Taskforce proposing the introduction of two entry points as the primary requirement to join the National Police Service (NPS).

President William Ruto accepted to have constable and cadet levels as entry points into the NPS. The task force appointed late last year headed by former Chief Justice David Maraga presented its findings to the President at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, October 4.

‘’At a time when crime is constantly evolving, this provision will attract more professionals to police service,’’ President Ruto said.

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Moving the National Police Service (NPS), the Prisons Service, and the National Youth Service (NYS) to the security sector regarding terms of remuneration and service was among the recommendations accepted by the president.

A Taskforce on Police Reforms was chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga. The team had met and presented a progress report to President William Ruto when they were informed they had been given at least a month to come up with a more comprehensive report.

The 20-member national task force appointed by President William Ruto on December 21, 2022, was tasked with drafting recommendations to guide reforms in the security sector.

“This way, the officers in three services will receive remuneration and other terms of service commensurate with the work they do,” Ruto said.

The National Police Service Commission will determine the requirements for the two pathways. There is a feeling many cadets do not stay in the service after recruitment due to poor working conditions and expectations.

“At a time when crime is constantly evolving, this provision will attract more professionals to police service,” the President said.

“Going forward, it won’t be possible for an officer to be promoted if they have served at only one station,” Ruto said in agreement with the recommendation of the Task Force on Police Reforms.