The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has taken a bold step toward reshaping Kenya’s security landscape, electing Collette Suda as vice-chairperson and adopting new regulations to guide the recruitment of 10,000 police constables.

In a press statement on Friday, September 5, 2025, NPSC confirmed the adoption of the National Police Service Commission (Recruitment and Appointment) Regulations, 2025.

The regulations are expected to streamline the upcoming recruitment of police constables.

“Further, the Commission is pleased to announce the election of Prof. Collette Suda as its Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson plays a critical administrative role in deputising the Chairperson. With the Commission now fully constituted, we are confident in our capacity to spearhead the far-reaching reforms that will entrench a professional, responsive and people-centric Police Service,” read the press release dated September 5, 2025.

“At the meeting, the Commission deliberated on the upcoming recruitment of 10,000 police constables. To strengthen the recruitment process, the Commission adopted the National Police Service Commission (Recruitment and Appointment) Regulations, 2025, which will guide the recruitment.”

The decisions were unveiled during the Commission’s inaugural meeting led by new Chairperson Amani Komora, signalling renewed momentum for police reforms.

Renewed mandate

Komora said the meeting underscored unity of purpose within the security sector, drawing on the constitutional roles of the Inspector General and the Commission.

“The deliberations were constructive, highlighting the shared responsibilities and hence commitment to strengthen collaboration, mutual respect, and effective coordination in the management of the Service,” he noted.

Suda’s election injects experience into the Commission’s leadership, with the former Principal Secretary expected to play a critical role in steering reforms.

The adoption of the 2025 Recruitment and Appointment Regulations seeks to modernise the 2015 framework, emphasising merit-based selection and transparency in hiring.

Filling a critical gap

Inspector General Douglas Kanja earlier on, welcomed the recruitment roadmap, stressing the urgency of addressing a 5,000-officer shortfall to meet the UN’s recommended 1:450 police-to-population ratio.

“The Commission will soon advertise vacancies as part of a structured recruitment process aimed at ensuring successful candidates report to training colleges later in the year,” the Commission said in a statement.

The move ends a three-year freeze on recruitment caused by budgetary constraints. Training is set to begin before the close of the year, opening opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans.

Ruto’s push and gender balance

President William Ruto, speaking last week at the NYS pass-out parade, directed that 4,000 of the new recruits come from the National Youth Service.

“I have already given instructions to the Ministry of Interior that next month, when we recruit 10,000 police officers, 4,000 of them must come from the National Youth Service,” he said, urging graduates to embrace service and innovation.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and IG Kanja have also pledged fairness and gender equity, with a target of 30% female representation—up from the current 14%—to ensure a diverse and inclusive police force.

Dr. Komora added: “With the Commission now fully constituted, we are confident in our capacity to spearhead far-reaching reforms that will entrench a professional, responsive, and people-centric Police Service.”