Nairobi, Kenya- Parliament has raised the alarm over fresh disputes between the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), warning that the ongoing turf wars could weaken the integrity and cohesion of Kenya’s law enforcement.
The wrangles came to the surface on Tuesday when both institutions appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Implementation of the Constitution, just days before the recruitment of 10,000 new police constables—a process resuming after years of suspension.
Mandate Clash Over Recruitment and Resources
At the heart of the standoff is a disagreement over who holds authority in key areas of police management.
Lawmakers heard that recruitment funds were allocated to the NPS instead of the NPSC, even though the Constitution explicitly gives the commission power over human resources.
Under Article 246, the NPSC is tasked with managing recruitment, promotions, transfers, disciplinary processes, and training standards.
By contrast, Article 245 gives the Inspector General (IG) operational control over the police service, including implementing policies and directing operations.
The NPSC argues that sidelining it in recruitment undermines its independence and constitutional role. The IG, however, insists that ceding payroll and other HR functions would dilute his authority to effectively run the service.
Committee chair Caroli Omondi cautioned that unless the mandates are clarified, the overlapping roles risk creating institutional fractures. The committee pledged to consult further with stakeholders before issuing a formal position to Parliament.
New Recruitment Faces Old Tensions
The disputes come just as the country prepares for its largest police recruitment in years. Hiring was frozen after persistent clashes between uniformed officers and civilian commissioners on how the process should be conducted.
Earlier this month, the NPSC announced that 10,000 constables would be recruited under the National Police Service Commission Recruitment and Appointment Regulations Act, 2025.
The law introduces fresh rules, including mandatory online applications ahead of field exercises—a move meant to modernize the process but one that has also stirred friction between the two sides.
NPSC chair Amani Komora emphasized that the commission would strictly follow the new regulations to ensure transparency. The IG, Douglas Kanja, signaled cautious support, saying:
“I welcome the commission’s decision to commence the recruitment of 10,000 new police constables. This initiative could not have come at a more critical time, when the service members are dwindling due to several issues.
The recruitment drive highlights both the urgency of strengthening the police service and the fragility of its governance structure.
With Kenya’s security needs growing and police numbers thinning, lawmakers stress that clarity on mandates between the NPS and NPSC is not just a matter of turf—it’s essential to building a disciplined, accountable, and well-resourced force.
How Parliament resolves the matter in the coming weeks will determine whether the recruitment restores confidence in the system or deepens the cracks in one of the country’s most vital institutions.
