Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government will lower the age threshold for promotion within the National Police Service (NPS), a move aimed at addressing long-standing stagnation in career progression among officers.
Speaking on August 7 during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Kericho County, Murkomen said the decision was informed by feedback gathered through the community engagement platform, which has become a cornerstone for dialogue between the Ministry of Interior, the NPS, local administrators, and the public.
“Everything we’ve committed to doing is not just talk. The Inspector General of Police announced during Jukwaa la Usalama that officers aged 53 and above who have remained constables throughout their careers must be promoted. But thanks to this forum, we’ve revised the age limit to 50,” Murkomen said.
Govt to Lower age limit for promotion of police officers in different ranks- CS Murkomen
He revealed that the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) met recently and will soon release a new policy formalizing the changes.
Under the revised framework:
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Officers who have served as corporals for 15 years and are aged 50 or above will be automatically promoted.
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The same applies to sergeants with 15 years of service.
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Inspectors who have held their rank for 10 years will also be eligible for promotion.
Murkomen emphasized that the reforms are part of broader efforts to boost morale and ensure fairness within the service.
The Kericho engagement is part of a nationwide series of Jukwaa la Usalama forums, which have provided a platform for diverse voices—including youth leaders, religious figures, bodaboda operators, women representatives, and local elders—to raise concerns and propose solutions to community challenges.
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As part of the ongoing Jukwaa La Usalama security and service delivery tour in Kericho County, CS Murkomen visited the County Commissioner’s office grounds to assess mobile ID registration efforts.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of the 22 registration centres across the county and the Ministry’s reforms—including free issuance for first-time applicants—to apply for national IDs, which are essential for accessing key services such as employment.
Before the town hall engagement, Murkomen met with the county security team. He later held discussions with security agencies, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), local leaders, and members of the public at the County Commissioner’s residence.
He was accompanied by Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, Deputy Inspector General of Police (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, and GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, among other senior government officials.
Promotion of senior police officers
Earlier this year, NPSC launched a rigorous interview process in May for the promotion of senior police officers, marking a key milestone in its ongoing reform agenda.
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During a press briefing at CBK Pension Towers, NPSC Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley and Acting Chairperson Commissioner Edwin Cheluget outlined the Commission’s progress in fulfilling its constitutional mandate under Article 246.
Leley emphasized the importance of transparency and public accountability in the promotion process, noting that interviews were underway for officers moving from the rank of Chief Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
A total of 132 senior officers were being assessed after completing advanced training at various police institutions.
“These officers have undergone training in different colleges and are now being evaluated for suitability to advance to the next rank,” Leley said.
Commissioner Cheluget elaborated on the broader strategy behind the promotions, commending the police command under the Inspector General. He noted that 69 officers had trained at Emali College and 63 at Kiganjo Police Training College.
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