NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has urged newly trained Administration Police officers to exercise authority with restraint, respect constitutional rights and remain accountable to the public as they begin their service.
Speaking on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the 59th Passing-Out Parade for Administration Police Recruits’ Course 1/2025 at the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, Ruto said the character and conduct of officers would ultimately determine public confidence in Kenya’s security institutions.
The recruits have completed nine months of training and will now join the Administration Police Service, which operates as part of the National Police Service.
“The authority you carry does not originate from your rank, your weapon or your uniform. It emanates from the Constitution, belongs ultimately to the people of Kenya, and is entrusted to you for one purpose: service,” Ruto said.
The President said the officers had a responsibility to preserve peace, uphold the law and protect the rights and dignity of every Kenyan.
Ruto reminds police of constitutional freedoms
Ruto said police officers must respect constitutional freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, demonstration and political participation.
He said the Constitution requires the National Police Service to uphold professionalism and discipline, prevent corruption, practise transparency and accountability, respect human rights and maintain public confidence.
These principles, he said, should guide officers during arrests, searches and investigations, as well as when managing demonstrations, resolving conflicts or assisting members of the public.
The President’s remarks come as police officers continue to operate in an environment where questions over the balance between public security and constitutional freedoms remain central to policing.
AP officers tasked with protecting strategic areas
Ruto highlighted the distinctive role played by the Administration Police Service in Kenya’s security architecture.
He said AP officers operate in areas where terrain can be difficult and security threats complex, including locations requiring protection of borders, critical installations and strategic national assets.
The officers also confront threats including banditry, terrorism, livestock theft and organised crime, while working with communities to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
The President said the combination of operational capability, restraint and community engagement made the service an important component of Kenya’s national security system.
President outlines police reform programme
The President also used the ceremony to highlight reforms being implemented across the National Police Service.
He said the government embarked on the reforms following recommendations by the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, with the objective of creating a professional, properly equipped and technologically capable police service that remains accountable to the public.
The reforms cover areas including:
- Police remuneration and welfare
- Housing
- Training
- Equipment and infrastructure
- Technology
- Mobility and operational capacity
- Institutional strengthening
Ruto said the government had completed a three-phase salary review that increased the entry-level basic salary of a police constable by 36 per cent, with corresponding adjustments across other ranks.
He also cited expanded police housing, strengthened healthcare through the Usalama Cover, improved mobility and protective equipment, specialised operational assets and enhanced air support.
Government says 10,000 officers recruited since 2022
According to Ruto, the National Police Service has built 252 police stations since 2022, recruited and trained 10,000 officers and provided additional professional training to more than 31,000 serving officers.
The government has also operationalised the Multi-Biometric Identification System and introduced police hire services through e-Citizen.
Ruto said work was continuing on the National Police Service Information Management System, including the Digital Occurrence Book.
He added that the National Police Service Referral Hospital at Mbagathi had been completed, while the Forensic Laboratory had been built and was being progressively equipped.
New police uniform part of wider reforms
Ruto also defended the recently unveiled uniform for General Duty officers, saying it should be viewed as part of the broader police reform programme rather than as an isolated intervention.
The uniform, he said, was developed following consultations with police officers and members of the public and took into account professional identity, operational suitability and the dignity of officers.
Ruto acknowledged that a uniform alone could not transform policing but said professional identity and pride were important components of building a modern and disciplined police service.
Ruto calls for scrutiny of police reforms
The President said reforms funded through public resources must remain open to scrutiny.
He said the government welcomed examination of decisions and expenditure associated with the transformation of the National Police Service, describing accountability as a constitutional obligation.
“We welcome scrutiny of every decision and every shilling spent,” Ruto said.
He cautioned, however, that scrutiny should be based on facts, evidence and truth.
The President said wrongdoing should be exposed wherever it exists, while decisions and individuals should not be condemned without being heard.
“Honest scrutiny strengthens institutions, safeguards public resources and serves the public interest,” he said.
Ruto says citizens will judge police reforms
The President said the ultimate test of police reform would not be found in government speeches, policies, equipment, technology or uniforms, but in the everyday experience of citizens.
He said officers should respond when called, apply the law impartially, reject bribery, protect vulnerable people and treat all Kenyans equally before the law.
“Let communities know you not merely by the uniform you wear, but by the confidence your conduct inspires,” Ruto told the graduating officers.
He urged the recruits to protect vulnerable people while ensuring that those who threaten others face firm but lawful justice.
New officers urged to choose integrity
Ruto warned the officers that their courage and integrity would be tested in situations where commanders or the public might not be watching.
He urged them to rely on their oath, training and the law when confronted with difficult decisions.
“The true test of an officer is not only what you do when the nation is watching, but what you do when only your conscience, your oath and the law stand between what is right and what is easy,” he said.
The President concluded by urging the officers to serve with courage and restraint, exercise authority with accountability and enforce the law with humanity.
