Government seeks out-of-court deal to end police recruitment stalemate
Murkomen warned that prolonged delays in recruitment could pose a threat to national security as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
The government is seeking an out-of-court settlement to resolve the legal deadlock that has stalled the recruitment of 10,000 police officers following a court order that indefinitely suspended the nationwide exercise.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that consultations are underway between the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to unlock the impasse and resume the process.
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Murkomen said the discussions aim to ensure that the planned recruitment proceeds without breaching any existing court orders, following a petition filed by former legislator Harun Mwau that led to the suspension of the exercise.
“There is a case in court blocking the recruitment process. We will talk with the NPSC and the Inspector General to see how we can resolve that case so that recruitment can begin,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary, speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for NPSC Chairperson Yuda Komora in Tana River County, warned that prolonged delays in recruitment could pose a threat to national security as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
“I have no problem with the Police Service or the Commission. There is a case in court challenging the recruitment process, but I have sat with the Inspector General and Komora (Commission chairperson) to find a legal solution. We are exploring a legal avenue to conclude the matter, and I believe that within a few days, we shall start the recruitment process so that our young people can get employment,” he said.
Murkomen assured Kenyans that the stalemate would soon be resolved through legal means, emphasising the government’s determination to proceed within the law.
The Interior CS further disclosed that the upcoming police recruitment will incorporate affirmative action measures to promote inclusivity, particularly in marginalised regions. He said this was part of the government’s broader plan to ensure fairness and representation in the security sector.
“We want fairness and equality in the police service. That is why we are considering lowering qualifications in certain areas and giving direct slots to members of smaller communities,” he said.
He added that the proposal to review entry qualifications for recruits from disadvantaged regions was among the recommendations that emerged from the Jukwaa la Usalama forums held across all 47 counties.
According to Murkomen, similar inclusivity initiatives will also be extended to other public service sectors to ensure equitable access to government opportunities.
“Our goal is to make every Kenyan feel represented and valued in national institutions. Diversity in the police service is part of that vision,” he said.
On his part, NPSC Chairperson Yuda Komora stated that the Commission and the National Police Service will seek to engage Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa, who issued the interim conservatory orders, to suspend them and allow the recruitment process to proceed.
“We will engage together and ensure we are back on our earlier schedule on the recruitment process,” Komora said.
Komora also lauded efforts to improve the welfare of police officers through the Jukwaa la Usalama forums, which he said have strengthened communication between officers and the public.
“We must have the best interest of our policemen and women at heart through welfare,” he said.
The NPSC had advertised the recruitment of 10,000 police officers on September 19, 2025, after resolving a long-standing standoff with the NPS. The nationwide exercise was set to run from October 3 to October 9, 2025, across 416 recruitment centres.
However, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi temporarily halted the exercise on October 2, 2025, following a petition filed by John Harun Mwau against the Inspector General of Police and the NPSC.
Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa, in her ruling, directed that the recruitment remain suspended until the petition is fully resolved.
“Interim conservatory order is hereby issued, staying the entire recruitment pending resolution of the Petition,” reads the court order.
The court further directed the Inspector General and the Commission to file their responses within seven days, while allowing the petitioner the same period to file additional affidavits and submissions.
The case is scheduled for mention on October 21, 2025, to confirm compliance and consider the submissions.
Komora expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved soon to pave the way for the resumption of the recruitment exercise.
“We are working closely with all concerned parties to ensure the process resumes smoothly and in accordance with the law,” he said.
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