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The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has revealed plans to recruit 25,000 police officers.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the National Police Service Commission told the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security that the said officers are set to be recruited in a five-year period.

The Commission led by its Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia noted that financial constraints have slowed down the recruitment process for the last two years.

“During the presentation, the chair revealed that the Commission intends to recruit over 25,000 police officers for a period of five years adding that inadequate funds have hindered the recruitment process for the last two years,” a statement shared by the National Police Service Commission read in part.

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During the presentation, the chair revealed that the Commission intends to recruit over 25,000 police officers for a period of five years adding that inadequate funds have hindered the recruitment process for the last two years. pic.twitter.com/c4dnSfOpI9

— National Police Service Commission – Kenya (@NPSC_KE) July 17, 2024

The Commission Chairperson further informed the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security that so far over 10,000 police officers have left the service through natural attrition, deployment and retirement among other causes.

The last nationwide recruitment for police officers occurred in March 2022.

Reconsider budget cuts

The National Police Service Commission thus called on the committee to reconsider the proposed budget cuts in the security docket.

Kinuthia told the MPs that the sector needs proper funding to enable it execute its mandate.

“The Commission led by the Chair Eliud Kinuthia, CBS called on the Committee to reconsider its budget cut move to enable the Commission to execute its mandate efficiently,” the statement added.

“The Committee Chair Gabriel Togoyo underscored the critical role played by the security sector in the Country pledging to review the budget even as the Government undertakes austerity measures.”

Allocation

In the budget estimates for the 2024/25 financial year, the National Treasury allocated the National Security a total of Ksh377.5 billion.

Defence was allocated Ksh173 billion, National Police Service Ksh110.6 billion, National Intelligence Service Ksh46.3 billion and Kenya Prisons Ksh32.7 billion.

Further, Ksh13.9 billion was allocated for leasing police vehicles and Ksh918.4 million for developing the National Forensic Laboratory.

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