IPOA decries low turnout in police recruitment, recommends two-day exercise
The Authority noted that while recruitment panels' welfare was adequately provided for, applicants lacked similar support, including access to drinking water.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has decried the low turnout of candidates in the police recruitment exercise conducted on November 17, 2025.
In a brief detailing the findings of its assessment, IPOA blamed the low turnout on the requirement for candidates to have a minimum KCSE qualification of D+ and the lack of adequate communication on the recruitment following the lifting of a Court order halting the exercise.
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The Authority monitored the exercise, carried out on a single day this year, in line with provisions of section 6(c) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Act, CAP 86.
"Looking ahead, IPOA recommends improved logistical arrangements by the NPS and better communication of eligibility criteria to enhance public awareness and participation in future exercises," the brief signed by IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan says.
In contrast, IPOA noted strong interest among National Youth Service (NYS) candidates in joining the National Police Service (NPS).
Issack said that some were, however, shortchanged by showing up without their discharge certificates, which were essential for verification and completion of the recruitment process.
"The 8:00 am to 5:00 pm recruitment period proved insufficient, with some centres, including the NYS headquarters, concluding past midnight. Future exercises should run over at least two days. Last-minute venue changes and lack of complaints desks caused inconvenience, highlighting the need for a formal redress mechanism."
The general assessment concluded that the process was largely transparent, professional and in line with the established requirements for prospective candidates, reflecting positively on the integrity of the recruitment exercise.
At the same time, the recruiting teams provided constructive feedback to unsuccessful candidates, demonstrating a commitment to fair and ethical recruitment practices.
However, the Authority noted that while recruitment panels' welfare was adequately provided for, applicants lacked similar support, including access to drinking water.
It added that the allocation of successful applicants to the GSU, APS or KPS remained discretionary, based on physical fitness, available slots and applicant preference. Gender balance continues to be a challenge, with some units not allocating positions to female applicants.
The Authority will publish a comprehensive report of the recruitment exercise once the monitoring is completed.
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