A major national police recruitment drive is set to proceed unimpeded this Friday after a legal challenge that had threatened to halt the process was voluntarily withdrawn by the petitioners in a Nairobi court on Tuesday.
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is now cleared to conduct the recruitment of 10,000 police officers across the country. The recruitment exercise is scheduled to run from Friday, October 3, through Thursday, October 9, at gazetted recruitment centres nationwide, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
The petition, which had raised concerns over the fairness and legality of the recruitment process, was filed by the organization Sheria Mtaani and activist Shadrach Wambui. However, ahead of the court hearing, the two parties chose to withdraw their case.
In a statement, they cited the “large number of youths who had pinned their hopes on the recruitment as a means of employment” as their primary reason for stepping aside. Presiding Judge Justice Lawrence Mugambi allowed the withdrawal, effectively removing the final obstacle and giving the green light for the highly anticipated recruitment to begin.
Stringent Requirements for Applicants
With the legal path now clear, the NPSC has outlined a comprehensive and strict set of criteria for potential applicants. Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 28 are eligible to apply. A key requirement is the possession of a Kenyan National Identity Card.
Academically, an applicant must have attained a minimum grade of D+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), with at least a D in both Kiswahili and English.
The physical demands of the job are also reflected in the requirements. Male applicants must be at least 5 feet 8 inches tall, while female applicants must meet a minimum height of 5 feet 3 inches. All candidates must be physically fit. Furthermore, female candidates must not be pregnant during the recruitment and entry phase.
Emphasizing character and integrity, the commission stated that an individual must not have a criminal record or any pending charges against them. For those who have undergone National Youth Service (NYS) training, a discharge certificate with a minimum conduct rating of ‘GOOD’ is required.
Application Process: Digital and Physical Options
Prospective officers have been directed to obtain application forms through two primary channels. Interested and qualified individuals can download the forms from several official websites, including:
- npsc.go.ke
- dci.go.ke
- administrationpolice.go.ke
- kenyapolice.go.ke
- nationalpolice.go.ke
- mygov.go.ke
For those who prefer a non-digital route, physical application forms are available for collection at the nearest Huduma Centres.
Document Verification Day
On the day of recruitment, applicants must present themselves at the designated centres within their respective constituencies with the original and copies of all required documents. These include:
- Academic certificates and testimonials
- Kenyan National Identity Card
- Birth Certificate
- NYS discharge certificate (where applicable)
The NPSC has assured the public that all original documents will be returned to the applicants before they leave the recruitment centre.
This recruitment drive represents a significant injection of personnel into the National Police Service and is seen as a critical opportunity for thousands of Kenyan youth seeking stable employment in public service.
