KERICHO, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured police officers that they will not face reprisals for raising concerns during the ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama county engagements.
Addressing officers and residents during a town hall meeting in Kericho, Murkomen responded to recent controversy surrounding comments made by a senior officer in Laikipia County, who had raised issues about the treatment and deployment of female officers in frontline duties.
While defending the officer’s right to speak out, Murkomen emphasized that feedback—both from the public and police personnel—is the core purpose of the forums.
“No one will be victimized for speaking the truth,” the CS said. “The government values the contribution of both men and women in our police service, and we remain committed to supporting all officers equally.”
JUKWAA LA USALAMA KERICHO COUNTY CHAPTERWe have arrived in Kericho for our 25th Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement meetings.I met with the county security team before heading to a town hall engagement with security agencies, NGAOs, leaders, and members of the public at
Gender Inclusion in Police Recruitment
Murkomen reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza administration’s intention to promote gender equity in the security sector.
He said the upcoming recruitment of 10,000 police officers by the National Police Service (NPS) will be inclusive of women.
“We will ensure women are fairly represented in the recruitment,” he noted.
The CS also clarified that pregnant officers and those with special medical conditions will not be deployed to frontline duties, addressing concerns around operational fairness and officer welfare.
Promotions and Long-Awaited Training Resumes
Turning to career progression within the police service, Murkomen reiterated the government’s plan to promote officers aged 50 and above who have stagnated in lower ranks—constable, corporal, and sergeant—for years.
“These promotions will be implemented progressively to restore morale and dignity in the service,” he said.
In a separate announcement, Murkomen revealed that the training of chiefs, which had stalled since 2018, will finally resume.
Starting Friday, August 8, the first batch of 1,000 officers will begin public administration training, with another group scheduled for next month.
“Speak Up, But Be Respectful”
While encouraging openness, the CS cautioned officers to maintain professionalism when raising issues to avoid misinterpretation.
“Let’s speak candidly but respectfully. This platform is meant for honest dialogue, not confrontation,” he said.
The Jukwaa la Usalama forums are part of the Interior Ministry’s grassroots engagement programme aimed at improving security sector accountability and citizen trust across the country.
