Police Service Announces Long-Awaited Cadet Recruitment After Two-Year Hiatus
The National Police Service (NPS) is set to restart the recruitment of cadet officers after a two-year suspension caused by budgetary constraints. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo disclosed the development on Friday, January 11, during an interview with NTV, revealing that the recruitment will occur in the second half of 2025.
This initiative aligns with the recommendations of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, led by Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga. According to Omollo, the reintroduction of cadet hiring will bolster professionalism in the force, allowing officers to join at varied ranks and strengthening service delivery under President William Ruto’s administration.
“We are in the process of bringing reforms to our police service. Key among these is the reintroduction of cadet officer recruitment, so not everyone must enter at the same level,” stated Omollo.
The recruitment aims to address Kenya’s police-to-civilian ratio, which stands at 1:479, below the United Nations-recommended standard of 1:450. The 2024 economic survey revealed the service had 102,209 officers in 2023, highlighting the pressing need for personnel expansion.
This announcement comes amid increased scrutiny of the police following reports of abductions allegedly involving officers. However, Omollo reassured the public that ongoing reforms would address misconduct while supporting officers who uphold their duties.
“The fact that they are police officers does not take away from them that they are also humans. They need our empathy and our support. Even when we have a few bad elements, we need to deal with them. But to a large extent, we have very patriotic officers who ensure our safety,” Omollo said.
Fresh cadets will collaborate with established officers and newly introduced National Government Administrative Officers to ensure law and order is maintained at grassroots levels.
Additionally, Omollo outlined other reforms stemming from the Maraga-led taskforce recommendations, including administrative adjustments such as the re-stationing of officers to prevent overstaying in particular areas.
“We’ve already implemented some recommendations, especially administrative ones, such as moving officers who had overstayed in certain stations. Salaries and remuneration have also been addressed, with all cadres receiving a 20% salary increment,” Omollo noted.
The NPS has urged Kenyans to stay informed about recruitment dates and details, which will be shared through official communication channels.
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Police Service Announces Long-Awaited Cadet Recruitment After Two-Year Hiatus
