Nairobi, Kenya — In a decisive move to enforce constitutional authority, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given the National Police Service (NPS) a firm two-week ultimatum to transfer full payroll and human resource control to the constitutionally mandated National Police Service Commission (NPSC), in strict compliance with Article 246(3) of the Constitution.

 Constitutional Imperative & PAC Directive

PAC Chairperson, Butere MP Tindi Mwale, demanded that Inspector General Douglas Kanja immediately relinquish payroll and HR functions to the NPSC, stating the directive is non-negotiable—not a suggestion, but a constitutional requirement  . The committee set a 14-day window for compliance and directed the NPSC CEO, Peter Lelei, to submit written confirmation upon receipt of the functions  .

 What Led to the Impasse?

• NPSC’s Chief Executive, Peter Lelei, told PAC on July 16, 2025, that the commission’s efforts to access payroll data had been obstructed by NPS leadership, preventing it from executing its constitutionally mandated oversight functions  .

• The Auditor-General’s 2022/23 report flagged these HR limitations, pointing to NPSC’s inability to implement essential reforms in recruitment, promotions, disciplinary action, and welfare—due to lack of access to core data  .

 Mandated Powers under Article 246

Article 246(3) grants the NPSC exclusive authority over all police HR decisions—including recruitment, confirmations, promotions, transfers, discipline—and full control over payroll systems for Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, and the DCI  . The ongoing refusal to cede payroll is therefore viewed as a direct breach of Kenya’s supreme law.

Responses & Parliamentary Stance

• Despite PAC’s hardline stance, IG Kanja defended NPS actions, claiming a cooperative and professional relationship with the Commission and asserting that payroll access was provided when needed  .

• MPs, however, rejected those assurances, questioning why mere access continues while control remains with NPS—arguing that withholding payroll compromises NPSC’s legal employer role and oversight capacity  .

At a Glance

 Why It Matters

This confrontation underscores a deep governance fault line: the tension between constitutional authority and institutional turf. The NPSC—tasked with promoting professionalism and transparent HR practices—is hamstrung without access to payroll. Meanwhile, NPS control over pay and promotions has drawn criticism for inconsistent enforcement and lack of accountability.

If unresolved, the standoff threatens to undermine police reforms and public trust in law enforcement structures. PAC’s ultimatum leaves little room for ambiguity: full compliance must happen within the prescribed two weeks—ushering in a more transparent, constitutionally aligned HR regime for Kenya’s police service.