The National Police Service (NPS) comprises four main entities: the Kenya Police Service (KPS), the Administration Police Service (APS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Internal Affairs Unit. These are further supported by specialized police units within the services, such as the General Service Unit (GSU) under KPS, various tactical units under APS like the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), and several others under DCI.
To join special police units and squads in Kenya, like the GSU elite Recce Squad, you must first be recruited into the NPS as a police constable.
Recruits are then selected for specialized units after completing initial training, based on performance and passing a highly competitive selection process.
General Service Unit (GSU)
The GSU is a highly trained paramilitary wing of the Kenya Police Service.
- Recruitment process: The best recruits from the general police intake are selected to join the GSU. The selection is based on high performance in initial police training and a further round of competitive and rigorous vetting.
- Further training: After selection, officers undergo intense and advanced paramilitary training.
Recce Squad
This is the elite, highly secretive special forces unit within the GSU, often called the “Red Berets.”
- Recruitment process: Officers cannot apply to join the Recce Squad directly. Instead, they are handpicked from the top-performing GSU officers. The selection process is extremely competitive and discreet.
- Advanced training: Those selected undergo an additional seven months of intensive training, which includes counter-terrorism tactics, VIP protection, and hostage rescue. Training often takes place in Kenya and abroad in countries like Israel and the US.
Other specialised units within the GSU include the Presidential Guard Sub-Unit, vested with the mandate of offering security to State Houses, State Lodges, the first family, Former Heads of State, Former Vice President, and their residences.
The Crisis Response Team (CRT), Sky Marshal Unit, and Rendition Operations Team are also under GSU.
Rapid Deployment and Anti-Stock Theft Units
The RDU is another paramilitary unit under the Administration Police Service that handles special operations and internal security. The Anti-Stock Theft Unit, on its part, is under the Kenya Police Service and was formed in September 1965.
- Recruitment process: Much like the Recce Squad, RDU, and Anti-Stock Theft Unit personnel are selected from within the NPS, typically from the Administration Police Service and Kenya Police Service. Officers must pass an induction course and demonstrate fitness and capability to operate in adverse conditions.
- Training and requirements: Officers are expected to be in top physical condition and must complete continuous, rigorous tactical training.
Special Operations Group
Kenya’s Special Operations Group (SOG) is an elite unit under NPS, specifically operating within the Border Patrol Unit which is under the APS.
While the National Intelligence Service (NIS) played a key role in its creation and provides intelligence support, the SOG draws personnel from various police units, including the GSU and RDU, and functions as a highly trained paramilitary force within the police structure.
Other units under APS include the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).
Also Read: Police Recruitment 2025: Ranks, Salary and Benefits Officers Enjoy in Kenya
Directorate of Criminal Investigations
On its part, the DCI comprises various special units such as Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), Operations Support Unit (OSU), Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), and Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU).
Others include the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU), Land Fraud Investigations Unit, Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU), Serious Crimes Unit, and Operation Action Team (OAT).
To join the DCI, you must become a police officer with the National Police Service (NPS) and then apply to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
If successful during the recruitment drive, you will undergo basic police training at the National Police Service Training College.
Transfer to the DCI
Once you are a fully-fledged police officer, you will work in various police units and gain valuable experience.
When there are opportunities within the DCI, you can apply to be transferred to the directorate from the National Police Service.
Officers enrolled in the directorate undergo training at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA) before being deployed to the various units.
Internal Affairs Unit
To join the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), you must also first be a member of the NPS. After joining the NPS through the standard recruitment process, you can apply to the IAU.
This is a competitive process requiring specific skills, qualifications, and often a background in investigation. The IAU is a specialised unit established by the National Police Act of 2011 with the mandate to conduct thorough and impartial investigations of alleged police misconduct.
Recruitment to the National Police Service
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is responsible for all police recruitment and recently advertised the recruitment of 10,000 constables for October 2025.
General recruitment requirements:
- Be a Kenyan citizen with a valid national ID card.
- Possess a minimum mean grade of D+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), with at least D+ in English or Kiswahili.
- Be between 18 and 28 years old. University graduates may be eligible up to 30 years.
- Be physically and medically fit.
- Have no criminal record or pending charges and meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
How to apply
Get the application form: Download the Police Constable Recruitment Application Form 2025 from the NPSC website (npsc.go.ke) or collect one from Huduma Centres.
Also Read: Police Recruitment 2025: How to Download and Fill Application Form in Advance
Fill out and submit: Fill the form in duplicate and present yourself with the completed forms and original documents at a designated recruitment center on the specified recruitment date. This year’s national recruitment is scheduled for October 3 to October 9, 2025.
Go through vetting: Attend the physical recruitment drive, which involves physical fitness assessments, verification of documents, and interviews.
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