Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed fears of a standoff between the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the National Police Service (NPS) over payroll and human resource roles in the draft police recruitment regulations.
Speaking during the start of the 28th Jukwaa la Usalama security engagement in Nakuru County, on Tuesday, August 12, Murkomen said he will personally present the regulations to Parliament and is confident that the two bodies will reach an agreement that balances their responsibilities.
“There have been previous debates regarding the role of the Commission and the NPS in recruitment and payroll issues. We will always strike a balance on what the two can do,” Murkomen said.
He emphasized that identifying and recruiting capable police officers requires expertise from both sides.
“We cannot ignore the role of police officers in identifying and vetting recruits, nor can we overlook the Commission’s oversight authority,” he added.
CS Murkomen Addresses NPS and NPSC “Beef”
Murkomen explained that while the NPSC can set policy frameworks and standards, the NPS should handle identification and recruitment based on the Commission’s directives.
“As the CS, I don’t see any conflict. I will ensure the regulations are balanced before sending them to Parliament. This is similar to other public service commissions where certain functions are delegated to ministries, but oversight remains,” he said.
“As the CS, I don’t see any fights as I will be the one to look at the regulations and transmit them to Parliament. Before I am satisfied the regulations can be taken to Parliament for adoption, I will ensure we strike a balance between the commission and the NPS,” he said.
“This is what happens in the Public Service Commission and some cadres. Some have been delegated to ministries even though the PSC retains the overall responsibility.”
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The CS also announced he will chair a meeting between Inspector General Douglas Kanja and the NPSC to resolve the issue.
He noted that this is a sensitive area and does not expect any disputes, given their cordial working relationship.
“There is no cause for alarm. The ongoing public participation is very important, and based on the views gathered from officers and the public, we will strike a balance,” said the CS.
On the upcoming recruitment of 10,000 police officers, Murkomen promised transparency and warned against corruption, stating that anyone caught taking bribes will face the full force of the law.
“We will stand firm and ensure the exercise is transparent. Those who take bribes will face the full force of the law,” he stated.
This comes after the proposals in the draft National Police Service Commission Recruitment and Appointment Regulations 2025, which allow the NPSC to use technology in the upcoming police recruitment process to reduce corruption and improve transparency, drew mixed reactions.
Also Read: Murkomen Goes After Traffic Police Taking Bribes from Motorists Over Salary Issue
Concerns Raised Over Transparency in Online Recruitment
Several people who appeared before the commission expressed concerns about the transparency of recruiting the 10,000 new police officers.
One respondent acknowledged that while technology could help address some challenges, senior police officers would still review applications. He argued that applicants with connections to these officers would continue to receive preferential treatment.
“Even if the process is online, applicants will submit through cyberspace, but the applications will still end up in the hands of senior officers. So, if the children of senior officers apply, they will be favoured,” he said.
Speaking for many, he added that Kenyans do not support online recruitment.
A police officer also warned the NPSC that moving the recruitment process entirely online could become a “time bomb.” He urged the Commission to allow a manual application method alongside the online system.
“If you switch directly to an online recruitment system, you’re creating a monster that could backfire. I pray it doesn’t bite the commission. If you must implement online shortlisting, please ensure there is also a manual or parallel application process. I am predicting trouble if you don’t,” he warned.
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