NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) have pledged to work together to ensure that next week’s police constable recruitment is fair, transparent and accountable.
The nationwide exercise, set for October 3–9, will see 10,000 new officers join the service.
In a break from tradition, the recruitment will run for five days instead of one, a move the two institutions say will improve efficiency and oversight.
During a joint strategy meeting at IPOA headquarters on Tuesday, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan welcomed the NPSC delegation led by its new chairperson, Dr. Amani Yuda Komora, describing the engagement as a “timely step for the future of policing and reforms.”
“Recruitment is the very first step towards accountability in the Service,” Hassan said. “The Authority will monitor the exercise as guided by its mandate and produce a transparent report with recommendations.”
Dr. Komora, who took office recently, said the Commission was keen to avoid past mistakes by embracing stronger oversight.
“As a new Board, we are determined to do things differently. Working with IPOA gives us the chance to strengthen this process from the start,” he said.
NPSC Vice Chairperson Prof. Collette Suda added: “Our mandates align in many ways. Recruitment is demanding, but by working as a team we can deliver a process Kenyans can trust.”
Fresh Approach and Gender Balance
The Commission also announced an increase in female recruitment, raising the quota from 15% to 17%. Out of the 10,000 recruits, 1,700 slots will go to women, in line with gender rule guidelines.
IPOA Deputy Director of Inspections, Monitoring and Preventive Services, Munene Mugambi, presented findings from seven previous recruitment cycles, pointing out persistent challenges such as abrupt venue changes, poor timing, and failure to meet gender balance targets.
IPOA said it will deploy trained monitors across the country to ensure compliance with recruitment rules.
Beyond Recruitment: Welfare and Recognition
The meeting also addressed broader issues facing officers, including welfare, mental health and career progression.
IPOA said it plans to revive the Outstanding Police Service Awards (OPSA) to celebrate exemplary officers.
Both IPOA and NPSC emphasized that recruitment marks the foundation of police accountability and professionalism.
Their collaboration, they said, will be central to building a service that Kenyans can trust.
