NAIROBI, Kenya- The National Police Service (NPS) has rejected reports linking Nalitex Limited to the procurement and manufacture of Kenya’s newly unveiled police uniforms, saying the company did not participate in the process.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said Nalitex does not feature in any part of the Service’s process for developing, selecting, procuring or manufacturing the new uniform.
“The new police uniform are being manufactured by M/s Bedi Investments Limited, which was lawfully awarded the contract by the National Police Service,” Nyaga said.
The clarification comes days after President William Ruto unveiled the redesigned uniform during the passing-out parade of more than 6,000 police recruits at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County.
The new attire is intended for General Duty officers in the Kenya Police Service, with the National Police Service saying the rollout will be implemented progressively.
Nyaga said the uniform change is part of wider police reforms proposed by a taskforce chaired by retired Chief Justice David Maraga.
The taskforce was established to review the terms and conditions of service and recommend reforms aimed at improving policing and the welfare of officers.
According to the NPS spokesperson, the process of developing the new uniform was led by the Kenya Police Service Uniform Committee, working in collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The Service said the process involved consultations and technical considerations before the final design was adopted.
The controversy surrounding the supplier emerged after reports questioned the company involved in the Sh2.8 billion uniform contract and raised concerns about the identity and registration of the firm linked to the supply.
NPS has now specifically distanced itself from Nalitex, saying the company neither won the tender nor participated as a subcontractor.
The Service said Nalitex had also not received a purchase order or payment from the NPS.
The clarification follows the first public appearance of the new uniform, which was worn by the graduating recruits at Kiganjo on Friday, August 28.
The Government has said the uniform redesign followed concerns raised by police officers over the quality, suitability and professional identity associated with the previous attire.
Ruto, while unveiling the uniform, cautioned that changing police clothing alone would not transform the Service, stressing that professionalism would ultimately depend on officers’ character, discipline, training and conduct.
The NPS clarification is likely to intensify scrutiny of the procurement process as questions continue to be raised about the cost and award of the contract.
Independent reporting has also highlighted continued secrecy surrounding details of the uniform supply agreement.
For now, the NPS maintains that Bedi Investments Limited is the company lawfully awarded the contract and that Nalitex was not involved in the procurement or manufacture of the new police uniform.
