Government to recruit 10,000 officers to boost security in the country

The government plans to recruit 10,000 additional police officers next year to enhance security across the country, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

Speaking during the National Police Service (NPS) development partners roundtable meeting at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, Murkomen emphasised the urgent need to strengthen law enforcement capacity.

“We must continue to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of the Police Service to meet the evolving security challenges of our time,” said Murkomen.

The announcement comes amid a surge in insecurity, with banditry attacks in the North Rift and rising terrorist activities in North Eastern Kenya sparking concern.

Murkomen acknowledged that the lack of recruitment over the past four years has stretched the police force, leaving critical gaps in security operations.

“We have not recruited of late, and that has put a lot of pressure on the few officers we have in our police stations. If you don’t have a plan for annual recruitment, it leaves a big gap as officers exit service,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of investing in modern infrastructure and equipment.

“Modern equipment is key to improving our police capacity to combat crime. We need to source the latest technology to tackle emerging security threats effectively,” he noted.

The government has prioritized acquiring modern surveillance tools, protective gear, and advanced communication systems to establish an integrated communication command and control center. 

Additionally, Murkomen revealed plans to roll out police body cameras to improve professionalism and accountability within the force.

To boost officers' morale and productivity, the government intends to implement the recommendations of the National Task Force on Police Reforms.

“Soon, you will see us launching an affordable police mortgage for our officers so they can benefit like other public servants. We will also establish a contributory benevolent fund to ensure their welfare is well taken care of,” Murkomen said.

The recent attacks in Turkana, Samburu, and Baringo have raised concerns about the government’s response and the proliferation of small arms. 

A month ago, 20 people were killed in a cross-border attack in Turkana’s volatile Todonyang region, while six police officers lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Garissa. Just hours later, a National Police Reservist (NPR) unit commander was killed in Mandera. Earlier in February, five chiefs in Mandera were abducted by militants and taken across the border into Somalia. Their whereabouts remain unknown despite ongoing negotiations.

More than 3,000 security officers have been deployed in the North Rift to contain the crisis, but authorities admit that retaliatory attacks, resource conflicts, and boundary disputes continue to fuel violence.

Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping NPR officers and ensuring proper security measures.

“We will make sure the National Police Reservists, some of whom are in Marsabit and other parts of the country, are well equipped and trained because they assist the police at the local level,” he stated.