The National Police Service Commission, led by Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia, has announced plans to recruit over 25,000 police officers over the next five years. Kinuthia highlighted the government’s commitment to boosting employment opportunities through this recruitment initiative.

During the presentation before the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Kinuthia acknowledged the financial challenges facing the police service, which may impact the recruitment process.

The Commission’s official statement on Twitter revealed, “The Commission intends to recruit over 25,000 police officers in the next five years, citing financial constraints that have hindered recruitment in recent years.”

The Commission urged the Committee to reconsider budget cuts to ensure effective execution of its mandate, underscoring the importance of adequate resources for maintaining security.

This announcement comes as the National Security sector received a total allocation of Sh377.5 billion from the Supplementary budget, with significant portions earmarked for Defence, National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, and Kenya Prisons, among others.

As discussions around police conduct intensify following allegations of excessive force during protests, human rights groups have criticized the authorities for partiality and use of undue aggression.