Recent incidents of police brutality have sparked national debate on whether the current entry grade for police recruits, D+ (plus), should be raised to C+ (plus) or higher.
Some argue that increasing the academic threshold could enhance professionalism and restore dignity within the National Police Service (NPS), while also helping to address youth unemployment.
The killing of Albert Ojwang in police custody and the shooting of a mask vendor during protests in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) have fueled this debate.
To join NPS, applicants should possess a minimum mean grade of D+ (plus) and KCSE or its equivalent from a recognized examination body in Kenya.
They must also have a D+ (plus) and above in English or Kiswahili.
However, a task force chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga proposed that the entry grade be raised to C-(minus) up from the current D+.
Speaking to The Kenya Times, Political Analyst and Governance Expert Dr Luchetu Likaka said limiting police recruitment to university graduates may seem like a step toward professionalising the force, but it risks masking the real issues.
He said the problem in the NPS isn’t education itself, but values — a culture corrupted by nepotism, lack of merit, corruption, and other social vices that plague Kenyan society.
“These challenges are not exclusive to the police or disciplined services; they cut across sectors,” Likaka said.
Likaka said university education may enhance critical thinking and communication skills.
However, he explained that education does not automatically instil integrity or service-mindedness.
“Policing requires emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and community connection; traits that are not confined to the walls of a university,” he stated.
Focus on Police Training
Similarly, Political Organisation Professional Maimuna Mwidau said raising the academic requirements might not change the standard behaviour in the police service.
Mwidau said the priority should be on training the recruits to be a “Service” and not a “Force”.
She emphasised that there will be no change in the NPS if the training system is not adjusted to meet the current reality.
“My argument is that raising academic standards alone does not mean that the outcome will be better than what we already have,” Maimuna said.
“The focus should be on the training of these recruits to be more of a service than a police force. While their name has changed, attitude, recruitment methods and training remain the same; otherwise, we would have seen the difference today.”
Prioritise Academics During Police Recruitment
On the other hand, Mwaura Muroki, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, said academic requirements should be prioritized during recruitment.
Muroki said the least qualified candidates in the KCSE join the police service leading to the lack of professionalism in the NPS.
“Education is indeed the enlightenment of any nation. Due to the low grades that police recruits are required to have to join the service, we see that those least qualified are the ones recruited for the job. It is this low quality that is reflected in their lack of professionalism, corruption and now brutality,” Muroki said.
Poverty, Politics and Orders from Above
On the contrary, Ian Defao, a graduate of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), said the rogueness of police has nothing to do with their training or academic qualifications.
He said the incidents are caused by poverty, politics and orders from above.
“Officers are poorly paid, and when they’re given a small handout and an order to shoot to kill, they don’t hesitate. Secondly, many fear losing their jobs, so they choose to follow orders to keep their positions and then politics comes into play,” Defao said.
Also Read: National Police on Spot as Video Shows Officers Carrying Laptops from a Shop
Merit-Based Recruitment
Further, Likaka said the NPS should focus on merit-based recruitment, rigorous ethical training, and accountability systems.
He emphasised that NPS should nurture integrity and professionalism among police officers.
“A degree doesn’t make a better officer; values, discipline, and consistent oversight do,” Likaka stated.
Also Read: New Police Recruitment System Unveiled to Modernize Process
Complete Overhaul of NPS
Besides, Mwidau said Kenyans should not expect changes in the Police since the country’s general rotten moral values are reflected in the political leadership.
She said raising education requirements alone won’t bring change, and only a complete overhaul of the system will.
“A total overhaul of the service or system is the only solution. Too much rot from the top to the bottom is so visible, and no amount of academic qualification can bring meaningful change,” Mwidau stated.
Academic Qualifications Over Physical Requirements
Muroki also called for an urgent review of the recruitment criteria for police with emphasis on educational merit as opposed to physical merit.
He stated that this is important to restore public confidence and professionalism in the police.
The lawyer explained that both educational and physical qualifications can be used during recruitment, with priority given to academics.
“Don’t get me wrong, I believe they can go hand in hand, but educational merit should be a serious factor in considering who qualifies for recruitment,” Muroki said.
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