IPOA launches nationwide monitoring of police recruitment to ensure fairness, transparency

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched nationwide monitoring of the ongoing police recruitment exercise, aiming to ensure transparency, fairness and adherence to the law.

In a statement on Monday, IPOA said it will consolidate observations from recruitment centres and later issue a report with recommendations to improve future recruitment.

“IPOA will, afterwards, consolidate observations from the recruitment centres and issue a report highlighting best practices, areas of concern, and recommendations aimed at strengthening professionalism in future recruitment exercises,” the Authority said.

The nationwide police constable recruitment kicked off on Monday across all sub-counties, with the National Police Service (NPS) running a one-day exercise from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Over 400 recruitment centres have opened their doors to thousands of Kenyans seeking to join the service, with the NPS targeting 10,000 new constables in one of the largest single-day recruitment drives in recent years.

A spot check showed candidates at recruitment centres undergoing physical examinations as part of the ongoing exercise. The tests, conducted under the supervision of recruitment officers, are designed to assess the fitness of applicants seeking to join the NPS.

Earlier this year, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) allowed candidates to apply online and be informed of their suitability before attending physical and medical tests, a move aimed at reducing unnecessary examinations for those who did not meet qualifications. The NPS encouraged eligible Kenyan youth to participate, describing the exercise as a “new dawn for Kenya.”

The service said the incoming officers are expected to advance ongoing reforms, strengthen professionalism, accountability, and public trust. It also issued a strict warning against bribery, stating, “Anyone engaging in bribery, whether as giver or taker, will face the full force of the law.”

The recruitment comes amid growing pressure on security agencies to fill staffing gaps that have strained operations in both urban and rural areas. In recent months, the NPS and NPSC have been locked in a dispute over who holds the legal mandate to recruit police officers.

Kenya’s Constitution establishes a dual structure in policing: the Inspector-General oversees operational command, while the NPSC manages human resource functions, including promotions, transfers, and disciplinary control. These overlapping responsibilities have led to repeated disputes, with several recruitment cycles ending up in court.

This year alone, the High Court has ruled three times on the matter within two weeks. On October 30, 2025, Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled that the NPSC has no constitutional authority to recruit, train, assign, promote, suspend, or dismiss members of the National Police Service. On November 10, Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued an order suspending the recruitment notice issued by the IG on November 4, which had scheduled the recruitment for November 17. Just days later, on November 14, Justice Mwamuye lifted the suspension, allowing the recruitment to proceed temporarily.

The NPS has reiterated its commitment to conducting a fair and transparent process while addressing past concerns over corruption and procedural disputes.

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