Gov't to review police entry grades in marginal areas, says CS Murkomen
Residents and leaders voiced concern that the current academic threshold for joining the National Police Service is excluding many qualified young people in underdeveloped regions.
The government is considering a special affirmative action plan to lower police recruitment entry grades for candidates from pastoralist and marginalised communities, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving ceremony for newly appointed Police Service Commission Chair Dr Amani Yuda Komora, Murkomen revealed that the proposal arose from widespread calls made during the Jukwaa la Usalama security forum.
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Residents and leaders voiced concern that the current academic threshold for joining the National Police Service is excluding many qualified young people in underdeveloped regions.
"We have listened to the leaders and communities. Many youths from pastoralist areas are being locked out because of education challenges beyond their control. This affirmative action will ensure inclusivity in service," Murkomen said.
He was responding to remarks by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who had urged the government to consider dropping academic qualifications as a requirement altogether.
"Many of our pastoralist youth are locked out, yet they can offer great service in the police force once trained to handle firearms and given basic education," said Olekina. "They are willing and capable, but we must give them a chance."
In a similar appeal, Tana River County Assembly Majority Leader Babusa Hamid proposed that the minimum entry grade be lowered to a D minus for applicants from marginalised counties.
"Our Cabinet Secretary, I was sent by the youth this very morning. They are frustrated — many didn't meet the current academic qualifications, not by their fault, but due to a lack of schools and infrastructure during their high school years," he stated.
However, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who officiated the ceremony as chief guest, cautioned that while inclusivity was important, it must not come at the expense of professionalism in the police service.
"We have built a respected police service, both locally and internationally. Currently, 800 of our officers are serving in Haiti under the United Nations mission, and we have yet to receive any reports of human rights violations," said Mudavadi.
He added that Kenya is actively lobbying for the appointment of DCI boss Mohamed Amin to head Interpol, an indication of the country's rising reputation in global policing.
"You cannot go below the existing level. You either maintain or improve to higher standards of professionalism and integrity," Mudavadi told Dr Komora, urging him to uphold and promote the highest standards in the service.
Dr Komora appreciated all who attended the event and promised to meet the expectations of Kenyans as he is set to serve in the commission as chair.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, Secretary General of Central Organisation of Trade Union Francis Atwoli, former chair of the National Police Service Commission Eliud Kinuthia, Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana and Several Members of the National Assembly and Senators from the majority from Coast and North Eastern attended the event.
If approved, the proposed reforms could mark a significant shift in the country's recruitment policy, opening doors for thousands of qualified but disadvantaged youths across Kenya's marginalised regions.
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