President William Ruto has defended the introduction of new uniforms for general police officers, saying the change is part of a wider programme to transform the National Police Service, recommended by the Maraga Taskforce.
Speaking during the Administration Police recruits’ pass-out parade on September 4, the President said the new uniforms should be understood as part of broader police reforms rather than as a standalone intervention.
He said the design followed consultations with police officers and members of the public and was based on considerations including professional identity, operational suitability and the dignity of police officers.
“The new uniforms for general police officers that we unveiled last week must be understood within this broader reform programme. It is not a standalone intervention but part of the comprehensive transformation of the National Police Service arising from the reform process,” stated Ruto.
Ruto said uniform alone could not transform policing but argued that professional identity and pride were important in building a modern, disciplined and effective police service.
The President also addressed concerns over the use of public funds in the wider police reform programme, saying every decision should be open to scrutiny.
He said the government welcomed examination of the reforms, including how public money was spent, and urged Kenyans to base their criticism on facts and evidence.
“Accountability is a constitutional obligation and must rest on facts, evidence, and the truth.”
Ruto called for scrutiny of government decisions without prejudice, saying questions should be raised without prematurely condemning individuals.
He added that exposing wrongdoing where it exists would strengthen public institutions, protect public resources and serve the wider public interest.
Also Read: Key Features of New Police Uniform Unveiled by Ruto
Ruto Unveils New Police Uniforms
President Ruto unveiled new uniforms for General Duty police officers on August 28, during the passing-out parade of police constables at the National Police Service Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ruto said the new uniform was introduced following consultations with police officers and members of the public conducted in 2023.
He said the consultations, along with recommendations from the Presidential Task Force on Police Reforms, raised concerns about the quality, suitability, and professional appearance of the previous uniform.
Ruto said the graduating officers would be the first to wear the new uniform before it was progressively introduced to General Duty officers across the country.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had earlier said more than 6,000 constables graduating from the National Police Service Training College would debut the new uniform during the Kiganjo ceremony.
Speaking to journalists on August 25 after inspecting preparations for the passing-out parade, Kanja said the new design marked a return to a uniform the service had previously agreed on.
“We have been using the blue, the deep blue one, so we have just reverted to the one that was agreed upon. I must note that on Monday, I will also be in that one,” Kanja said.
The new uniform replaces the deep-blue design worn by General Duty police officers.
The redesign also caters to pregnant police officers with a specially tailored plain light blue maternity dress.
Also Read: Not All Officers Will Wear Ruto’s New Police Uniforms: Here’s Who Is Left Out
New Police Uniforms Face Backlash
The rollout of the new police uniforms has sparked debate, with opposition leaders questioning the cost of the programme and whether changing uniforms should take priority over police welfare and wider reforms.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Kenyans wanted better policing rather than another uniform change.
“We changed the police uniform just eight years ago. Kenyans want the police trained on how to change the way they serve Kenyans, not how to wear uniforms. They should deliver services humanely,” Kalonzo said.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i also criticized the move, alleging that individuals in power could benefit from the uniform procurement.
He said Kenya could use institutions such as the National Youth Service (NYS) and Kenya Police Service (KPS) to produce the uniforms locally.
“Some things are shameful. We have the capacity through the NYS, KPS, and other institutions to make the uniforms, and we will be promoting local industries by procuring materials from local producers,” Matiang’i said.
The debate has also seen Kenyans question whether more attention should go to police housing, welfare, training, and working conditions rather than changing uniforms.
Concerns have grown over the frequent changes to Kenya’s police uniforms, with officers having gone through three different designs in less than nine years.
The first major change came in 2018 when former President Uhuru Kenyatta introduced the all-Persian blue uniform. A new design featuring light-blue shirts and navy-blue trousers was unveiled in 2023.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
