NAIROBI, Kenya - Ten thousand police recruits began reporting to designated training institutions on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, following a nationwide recruitment drive that concluded on November 17. This cohort is set to undergo an intensive training program designed to bolster the ranks of the National Police Service (NPS) and support the country's ongoing security sector reforms. The intake marks the first major police recruitment in three years, a delay that Inspector General Douglas Kanja has previously stated created a critical shortage of officers.

The recruits have been dispatched to three primary training centers: the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, and the Administration Police Training College campuses in Embakasi ‘A’ and Embakasi ‘B’, Nairobi. In a statement, the NPS confirmed that the new trainees met all rigorous selection standards and will now embark on a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of policing disciplines to prepare them for their duties. The training program is expected to align with a new curriculum developed to meet modern policing standards, incorporating human rights, community policing, and professional ethics.

Inspector General Kanja declared the recruitment exercise, which took place across 427 centers, a success, highlighting its smooth execution and significant turnout. "This number is coming in at a critical time because we need to add strength to the service," Kanja stated on November 17, emphasizing the importance of the new officers for bolstering national security, particularly in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The recruitment drive, officially announced by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) on September 19, 2025, aims to address the staffing deficit that has impacted service delivery across the country. This shortage has been exacerbated by natural attrition, including retirements and resignations, making this intake crucial for maintaining law and order. The government has framed this recruitment as a key component of its agenda to transform the police service into a more effective, accountable, and people-centric force.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve Kenya's police-to-citizen ratio, a long-standing security benchmark. While the United Nations has not set an official mandatory ratio, a figure of 1:450 is often cited as a guideline. The addition of 10,000 officers is a significant step toward enhancing police visibility and operational capacity nationwide. However, the recruitment process was not without challenges, including a temporary court-ordered suspension following a petition questioning its legality, which was later lifted.

The training institutions are prepared for the large intake. The Kiganjo campus, a cornerstone of police training in Kenya, has recently undergone modernization efforts, supported by international partners, to upgrade its infrastructure and curriculum. Similarly, the Embakasi campuses are equipped to handle large-scale training exercises for the Administration Police wing of the NPS.

As the recruits settle into their training, the NPS leadership has reiterated its commitment to professionalism and integrity. NPSC Chairperson Dr. Amani Komora and other officials briefed the recruitment panels, emphasizing the need for a transparent and fair process to ensure only the most suitable candidates were selected. The successful training and deployment of this new generation of officers will be a critical factor in the ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen Kenya's security apparatus, a process closely watched by both the Kenyan public and international observers.