BUSIA, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has endorsed calls for the introduction of maternity uniforms for expectant women in uniformed service, saying failure to provide proper attire undermines their dignity and fairness in the workplace.
Speaking in Busia on Wednesday during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum, Murkomen said it was regrettable that pregnant female officers are often forced to proceed on leave or wear civilian clothes because the state has not provided them with suitable uniforms.
“I was shocked to learn that female officers, whether chiefs, assistant county commissioners, county commissioners or police officers, do not have maternity uniforms. When they become expectant, they are told to go on leave or wear civilian clothes. That is unacceptable,” Murkomen said.
The CS directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to urgently initiate plans for the design of maternity uniforms for female officers across the security sector.
His remarks followed a direct appeal from one of the chiefs attending the meeting, who lamented that expectant officers are treated as civilians due to lack of appropriate attire.
Murkomen stressed that providing maternity uniforms is essential to ensure gender balance, fairness, and dignity in the service.
“Most women join the service in their late teens or early twenties, and it is only natural that many would have children during their careers. If you say there will be no maternity dress, why? These officers are employees of the state, and motherhood is part of life,” he added.
The Interior CS is on a week-long tour of the Western region as part of the nationwide Jukwaa la Usalama forums, aimed at assessing security challenges, engaging local leaders and security agencies, and interacting with residents on service delivery.
He is scheduled to hold forums in Bungoma on Thursday, Kakamega on Friday, and Vihiga on Saturday.
