NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s police recruitment process is getting a digital makeover, and if Inspector General Douglas Kanja has his way, it could be the game-changer that finally knocks corruption out of the equation.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Kanja revealed that the next police recruitment will be conducted entirely online — a bold move aimed at restoring public trust and cleaning up a system long dogged by bribery and backdoor dealings.
Say goodbye to long queues at dusty stadiums and whispered payments in shadowy corners.
According to Kanja, the online recruitment portal will not only streamline the application process but also eliminate many of the usual graft loopholes.
Only candidates who are pre-qualified and shortlisted through the digital system will advance to the field stage for physical assessments.
This shift is not just about efficiency. It’s about integrity. Kanja made it clear that digitization is a deliberate step to create a more transparent, merit-based selection process — a point the National Police Service has previously acknowledged as crucial to restoring credibility.
Addressing Gender Imbalance
While the move to online systems dominated the discussion, Kanja also addressed concerns about gender representation in the police force.
He admitted that the service has yet to meet the constitutional requirement of 30pc female representation, a gap the new digital approach could help close by offering equal access to all eligible applicants, regardless of location or connections.
This revelation comes amid growing calls for public service institutions to meet diversity benchmarks and uphold constitutional mandates, especially in uniformed services.
Ethnic Composition? “Classified,” Says IG
Pressed by lawmakers to comment on ethnic disparities within the police ranks, Kanja was notably tight-lipped.
He declined to provide detailed figures, citing national security concerns. While the lack of transparency raised eyebrows in the room, he hinted that releasing such data publicly could compromise sensitive state interests — a familiar, if controversial, stance among security agencies.
Still, his refusal did little to quiet public discourse around equitable representation, particularly as Kenya continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and demands for inclusivity in state institutions.
Conclusion: Will Tech Clean Up the Force?
Kanja’s tech-forward approach could mark a new chapter for Kenya’s police force — one that leans into transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Whether the shift to digital platforms truly curbs corruption or simply moves it online remains to be seen.
But for now, Kenya is betting that bits and bytes will do what boots on the ground have struggled with for years.
