Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed the government’s plan to hire 5,000 police officers in 2025.

Speaking during an interdenominational worship and Thanksgiving service in Moi Gardens, Lodwar, Turkana County, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, the second in command explained that though the process was delayed, the government was still keen to bring on board 5,000 more officers to join the National Police Service (NPS).

He announced that the recruitment exercise will kick off in March 2025. The former Interior Cabinet Secretary told Turkana residents that the police recruitment drive is among the key plans initiated by the Kenya Kwanza administration to bridge the unemployment gap in the country.

“Tumeweka pia employment kwa jeshi na hata ile ya polisi ilikuwa imedelay kidogo; mwezi wa tatu, we will be hiring about 5,000 police officers (We have created employment in the military; even the police recruitment drive, which was delayed, will kick off in March, and we will hire about 5,000 police officers),” Kindiki stated.

“So tunajaribu kuweka kazi kwa public sector, informal programmes like Climate Worx, we are also creating jobs abroad. (We are trying to create opportunities within the public sector, informal programmes like Climate Worxs, and we are also creating jobs abroad).” he added.

He further revealed that Ruto had directed the Labour Cabinet Secretary to expand the labour migration programme to other counties and ensure fairness in the recruitment process.

“CS Mutua was to come here, but we had some other issues, but the president has ordered him to visit Lodwar, and also I want to assure you that he will come here; just be patient.

“We are trying our best to create employment for our youths and increase household income for them,” Kindiki stated.

The Deputy President also lauded the government for creating employment opportunities for teachers and stabilising the economy.

With the government working to create employment opportunities and stabilising the economy, Kindiki pleaded with Kenyans to rally behind the Kenya Kwanza administration to ensure peaceful co-existence.

Modernising the service

Kindiki’s sentiments come months after Ruto announced plans to implement an array of technological advancements to improve the operational efficiency and outcomes of the country’s police force.

Speaking during the launch of the National Police Service and State Department for Correctional Service Strategic Plans for 2023–2027, Ruto stated that the ambitious modernisation programme will include new equipment and weapons, as well as the full digitisation of police operations, to enhance their effectiveness and accountability as they go about their daily law enforcement duties.

“I want to commit that I intend to see the process of modernisation to completion in the next two years so that we can have the equipment, vehicles, and ammunition necessary to protect our country,” he said, revealing that the government has already spent Ksh2 billion in the ongoing development of programmatic strategies to reform the policing systems in the country.

“We need a modern police service, and technology is key to this. We must ensure we digitise operations, including the famous OB (Occurrence Book),” he added.

However, he called them out for their professional conduct, especially how they handled the recent cases of protests.

“Kenyans should experience a shift in policing from practices characterized by extrajudicial illegalities, impunity, and excesses to an approach defined by adherence to due process and the rule of law, fostering excellent relations with communities and inspiring trust among citizens,” he said.