NAIROBI, Kenya — The government is seeking a cumulative budget allocation of about Sh2 billion to support police recruitment, salary reviews, and welfare programmes for officers across the country, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has revealed.
Speaking during a media interview, Omollo said the proposed funding is aimed at strengthening the National Police Service (NPS) by addressing staffing shortages, improving working conditions, and expanding police housing projects.
The PS said the planned allocation would support ongoing reforms designed to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency within the police service.
Push to bridge police staffing gap
PS Omollo said part of the funding would go towards recruitment of additional police officers as the government works to align Kenya’s officer-to-population ratio with international standards.
“The international recommendation is one police officer to 400 citizens. When we came in, the ratio was 1:500 citizens, so there has been a need for us to bridge that gap,” he said.
He explained that the recruitment drive is necessary to address staffing shortages caused by retirements and other forms of attrition within the service.
“This is not about elections; it’s about service to wananchi,” Omollo added.
Recruitment not linked to politics
The Interior PS dismissed claims that the ongoing police recruitment exercise is politically motivated ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He maintained that the exercise is part of a long-term strategy to improve public security and strengthen policing capacity nationwide.
Kenya recruited about 10,000 police officers last year after a three-year suspension of recruitment caused by budget constraints.
Salary reviews underway
Omollo also said Parliament has already approved funding for the first two phases of salary increments for police officers.
According to the PS, the final phase of the salary review has been included in the 2026/27 budget estimates.
The government has, in recent years, faced pressure from security officers and labour groups to improve remuneration and welfare conditions within the police service.
Focus on police housing
Beyond recruitment and salaries, the government is also investing in police housing projects aimed at improving living conditions for officers deployed across the country.
Omollo said approximately 5,000 housing units have already been completed, while another 23,000 are planned under ongoing projects.
The housing programme is part of broader reforms targeting improved welfare and morale within the security sector.
The proposed Sh2 billion allocation is expected to be considered as part of broader budget discussions for the upcoming financial year.
