Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced new measures aimed at tightening police recruitment standards as part of ongoing reforms within the National Police Service.

Speaking during an assessment visit to the National Police College Kiganjo in Nyeri County, Murkomen said future recruitment exercises will include stricter psychometric assessments, mandatory drug testing, and comprehensive criminal background checks to improve professionalism and discipline within the service.

The cabinet secretary commended the dismissal of 54 police recruits over disciplinary and integrity-related concerns, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen accountability during training and recruitment processes.

“Recruitment processes must change, especially on psychometric assessment and drug testing. We will be tougher,” he said.

New focus on discipline and integrity

Murkomen inspected the ongoing Basic Recruit Training Course at Kiganjo, where more than 5,000 recruits are currently undergoing training. He said the changing security landscape requires officers who are disciplined, adaptable, and capable of responding to emerging threats.

The CS challenged recruits to take their training seriously so they can serve professionally upon graduation. He noted that officers will play a critical role in addressing criminal gangs, insecurity, and politically sponsored violence in different parts of the country.

“These recruits will be instrumental in the fight,” Murkomen stated during the inspection tour.

The government is also rolling out broader reforms targeting continuous professional development within the police service. According to the CS, training programmes are being expanded to include tactical operations, information and communication technology, human rights, and emerging security dynamics.

Murkomen said infrastructure upgrades are ongoing across police training institutions to improve learning conditions and operational readiness. He added that welfare reforms are also being implemented to address promotion stagnation, housing shortages, psychosocial support, and mobility challenges affecting officers.

Plans for police university and regional training hub

During the visit, Murkomen also proposed the establishment of a National Police Service University to strengthen advanced police training and position Kenya as a regional security training hub.

“There is a huge appetite from our neighbours for our training facilities. We have a great opportunity if we establish a properly structured Police University in Kenya,” he said.

The proposal comes amid increased government investment in specialised police training programmes and field preparedness exercises aimed at improving operational effectiveness.

The Kiganjo visit follows Murkomen’s commissioning of a new training facility and launch of field simulation training for 2,000 Administration Police recruits at the AP Field Training Camp in Lii, Mutuati Sub-County, Meru County on April 24, 2026.

At the time, the CS said modern policing requires practical skills, resilience, and the ability to make decisions under pressure, particularly in operations targeting insecurity and banditry in areas such as Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, and Meru counties.

Senior police leadership joins assessment visit

Murkomen was accompanied during the Kiganjo visit by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General (KPS) Eliud Lagat, College Commandant Nyale Munga, and Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha among other senior security officials.

The Interior Ministry said reforms within the police service will continue to focus on professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights.

Murkomen urged officers to maintain high standards while working closely with communities and other agencies in preventing crime and improving public safety across the country.