Gender commission cites policy gaps in handling pregnant police recruits
By Faith Lagat, May 10, 2026The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has called for reforms in Kenya’s police recruitment and training policies following the discontinuation of recruits at the National Police Service College in Kiganjo.
The commission said the developments had raised concerns over equality, transparency and constitutional compliance within the police recruitment framework.
In a statement issued on May 10, 2026, NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa acknowledged clarification by the National Police Service (NPS) regarding female recruits discontinued from training due to pregnancy.
The NPS, through spokesperson Mugo M. Itaga, stated that the pregnancies occurred before the recruits reported to the training college and not within the institution.
According to the Service, the women were discontinued within the first month after mandatory pregnancy tests conducted upon arrival and confirmatory tests carried out at a government facility in Nyeri.
The service said the decision was made in line with National Police Service standing orders and maintained that the physically demanding nature of police training posed health risks to pregnant recruits and unborn children.
“The rigorous nature of police training, including demanding drills, obstacle courses, firearms handling, and physical endurance exercises, poses serious health risks to pregnant recruits and their unborn children,” the statement said.
The NPS further stated that the action was a protective administrative measure rather than punishment and noted that strict supervision protocols within the college limit unsupervised interaction between male and female recruits.
NGEC cites policy gaps
While recognising the operational demands of paramilitary training, NGEC said the controversy had exposed gaps in recruitment and training policies, particularly on pregnancy, deferment mechanisms and communication of eligibility requirements.
The commission cited Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees equality before the law and protection against discrimination based on sex, pregnancy and health status.
NGEC said lack of clear and consistent policies could result in administrative decisions being perceived as arbitrary or discriminatory.
The commission also pointed to broader concerns arising from the 2025 police recruitment process, including court challenges over legality, cases involving forged academic certificates, criminal records and post-recruitment vetting failures.
According to NGEC, the issues indicate weaknesses in the initial screening and verification process.
Calls for policy review
The commission called for a comprehensive review of police recruitment and training policies to align them with constitutional principles on equality, dignity and fair administrative action.
It also recommended development of a clear framework on handling pregnancy during recruitment and training, including pre-recruitment disclosure requirements, medical assessment standards, deferment mechanisms and safeguards for maternal health.
NGEC further called for enhanced transparency in recruitment processes and institutional harmonisation between constitutional rights and operational requirements within disciplined services.
“The Commission further reiterates that constitutional equality does not mean ignoring biological realities or operational demands of specialised institutions,” the statement said.