The National Police Service of Kenya (NPSC) has confirmed seeking to recruit 10,000 police constables in the 2025/2026 financial year, under new regulations of virtual recruitment aimed at promoting transparency after past exercises were marred by complaints of bribery, favouritism, and bias.

For the first time in the recruitment process, the NPS has confirmed that the exercise will be conducted entirely online, with applicants required to submit their details virtually.

This is according to President William Ruto’s announcement, saying the recruitment will take place in September 2025.

Ahead of the exercise, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has approved the framework and regulations for the recruitment and appointment process in 2025, with recruits expected to report for training on November 17, 2025.

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Out of 10,000 vacancies, 4,000 positions are reserved for National Youth Service (NYS) graduates.

Regulatory reforms

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has adopted the Recruitment and Appointment Regulations 2025 to guide this drive. These regulations replace the 2015 framework and emphasise fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection.

Minimum requirements/how to apply

Education: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), at least grade D+, with similar performance in English or Kiswahili

Documents: Applicants must have a national ID, birth certificate, recent passport photo, and other supporting documents

Age: Official age criteria not fully confirmed, but one report says 18 to 30 years

Step 1: Register or log in

• Visit the portal and go to the “Recruitment” section
• First-time users should register using their National ID, email, and phone number
• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent via email to verify the account

Step 2: Select a vacancy

• Browse the available vacancies and choose the position you want to apply for.

Step 3: Upload required documents

• National ID card
• KCSE certificate (minimum grade D+ with English or Kiswahili)
• Birth certificate
• Recent passport-size photo

Step 4: Review and submit

• Double-check all the details before submitting
• Applications are only valid if marked “Submitted”
• A confirmation email will be sent after successful submission

Step 5: Await shortlisting

• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via SMS, email, or the online portal

Safeguards against abuse

The NPSC has made it clear that:

• Submitting false information will lead to automatic disqualification
• Any attempt at canvassing or bribery will result in rejection

In a statement released on Friday, September 5, 2025, NPSC stressed that the new framework is guided by fairness and professionalism, with technology at the centre of the reforms.

“These proposed regulations aim to streamline the recruitment of members of the Service to promote transparency and ensure merit-based selection in the recruitment process,” the Commission said.