KISUMU, Kenya — The government has pledged to ensure the upcoming police recruitment exercise is transparent, merit-based, and free of corruption.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday said the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) are finalising recruitment regulations in a meeting chaired by Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja in Nairobi.
“The National Police Service and the Commission are currently in a meeting and will be giving us clarity of direction. Eventually, we want a transparent process free of bribery claims, and ensure recruitment doesn’t go to the highest bidder,” Murkomen told journalists in Kisumu during Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots security forums.
He said corruption has long tainted the image of the NPS and warned that the government will not allow the practice to continue.
“From the word go, we want those deserving recruited into the service — not those who bought their way in,” he said.
Murkomen added that public engagement forums would play a role in shaping reforms to eliminate graft and restore public confidence in police recruitment.
The CS also addressed electoral integrity ahead of mini-polls slated for November, cautioning aspirants and political parties against malpractice.
“The government does not condone electoral offenses. Security agencies will ensure aspirants and candidates conduct themselves as spelled out by the electoral body,” Murkomen said.
He directed candidates to share campaign schedules with security teams to enable effective deployment, warning against violence or interference in rival activities.
“It is an offense to disrupt the activities of an opponent. If IEBC finds anyone in breach, they will be arrested and charged,” he said.
