The government has announced a major recruitment drive that will see 20,000 police officers and 30,000 teachers hired by 2029.

Details of the plan are contained in the 2026/27 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), which has already been tabled in Parliament.

According to the document, the recruitment will begin this year, supported by an improving economy following fiscal reforms introduced by the current administration.

Out of the planned hires, 20,000 will join the police service. The move is aimed at strengthening national security, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 General Elections.

“We plan to recruit 20,000 new police officers over the next few years. This will not only strengthen our national security but also ensure that every community has access to well-trained, well-equipped officers,” the BPS reads.

The government also plans to invest more in modernising the police service. This includes improving intelligence systems, expanding community policing, tightening border control, and enhancing counter-insurgency operations.

This comes a day after President William Ruto announced the opening of the Kenya-Somalia border amid security concerns.

New officers will be equipped with modern tools and vehicles. The plan also includes better housing, improved medical cover, and enhanced welfare programs for officers.

Funding will also support forensic training, infrastructure upgrades, and reforms focused on restorative justice, vocational training, and psychosocial support.

Recent recruitment efforts between 2022 and 2025 have already improved the police-to-citizen ratio from 1:1,150 to 1:800. Officers have also received training in modern investigations, human rights, community policing, and cybercrime.

The security sector is expected to receive Ksh329.9 billion in the 2026/27 financial year. The allocation is projected to rise to Ksh339.3 billion in 2027/28 and Ksh344.9 billion in 2028/29.

30,000 teachers to be employed

In the education sector, the government plans to recruit 30,000 teachers to improve the teacher-to-learner ratio and raise the quality of education.

“We plan to hire 30,000 teachers by 2029 to improve teacher-learner ratios, expand classroom infrastructure, and focus on STEM and technical education, giving every child a chance at quality learning,” the treasury said.

The recruitment will be managed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), with a focus on STEM and technical subjects.

Education funding is also set to increase steadily. The sector is projected to receive Ksh380 billion in 2026/27, Ksh441.8 billion in 2027/28, and Ksh459.3 billion in 2028/29.

To support the transition to Competency-Based Education, the government plans to build 20,000 new classrooms and renovate 15,000 existing ones.

This will help accommodate learners moving from Grade 9 and ensure smoother implementation of the new curriculum.

The recruitment of both police officers and teachers is part of the government’s medium-term strategy to strengthen public services and improve service delivery across the country.