Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a groundbreaking reform that will see future police uniforms redesigned to include maternity dresses for female officers.

Speaking on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) in Ngong during the closing of the National Consultative OCSs Conference, Murkomen stressed the importance of inclusive policies within the National Police Service (NPS).

“What I have told the IG and the DIG is that now future police uniforms should include maternity dresses for female police officers,” he said, underlining the need to support officers during pregnancy while maintaining professionalism and comfort on duty.

Longstanding gap

Murkomen pointed out that many young women join the service fresh from school, often between the ages of 18 and 21, and naturally progress to marriage and starting families. Yet, for years, pregnant officers have had no official uniform to cater to their needs.

“You know they are not even married; they are going to get married and get children, and they have no uniform when they are expecting,” he noted.

He went on to emphasise durability and practicality, envisioning a uniform that could serve an officer through several pregnancies. “A good uniform will take them through the first to the last child, I mean over a period of time,” he said, adding that he looked forward to seeing the first police maternity dress rolled out.

Police reforms

The maternity uniform initiative is part of a wider set of reforms Murkomen unveiled earlier this year following the killing of blogger and teacher Albert Omondi, a case that sparked public outrage.

In June 2025, the CS outlined sweeping changes meant to restore trust in the NPS, including the digitisation of Occurrence Books, installation of CCTV cameras, community policing, regular audits, and continuous training for officers.

His latest directive on maternity uniforms reinforces his push for a more professional, accountable, and people-centred service.

Murkomen tied the move to his wider call for diligence and patriotism among law enforcement officers, urging them to invest in leadership and strengthen ties with communities.

His announcement also comes as the ministry ramps up efforts to curb smuggling in Busia County and improve access to identification and birth certificate services in border areas.

The maternity uniform policy, while seemingly modest, reflects a deeper commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and dignity in service, ensuring female officers can serve their country effectively through allstages of life.