A critical nationwide police recruitment drive on Monday, November 17, 2025, was characterized by lower-than-expected turnout in multiple regions and marred by allegations of irregularities, including bribery and favouritism. The exercise, intended to enlist 10,000 new constables to bolster Kenya's security apparatus, unfolded across 427 centres after a series of legal challenges that delayed the process. However, reports from various counties indicated a surprising lack of interest from young Kenyans, a stark contrast to previous years where thousands typically competed for the coveted positions.

In Nanyuki, Laikipia County, Senior Superintendent of Police Monica Berege noted that the number of youths who presented themselves was unusually low compared to past exercises. Similarly, in Murang'a, recruitment panel chair Geoffrey Ruheni expressed disappointment, stating the turnout was far below the anticipated 1,000 candidates. This trend raises significant concerns for the National Police Service (NPS), especially after a three-year hiring freeze that has worsened the police-to-civilian ratio from 1:479 in 2023 to 1:512 in 2024, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

A Process Under Scrutiny

The recruitment proceeded under a cloud of controversy, amplified by a recent report from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The report, based on a study conducted between February and June 2025, exposed deep-seated flaws in the NPS hiring process, citing bribery, political interference, and inconsistent selection criteria as systemic problems. The EACC warned that these issues make it difficult for the service to attract and retain qualified officers. Ahead of the recruitment, the EACC cautioned the public against offering bribes, noting that some families have previously sold land or held fundraisers to pay for their children's recruitment.

These warnings materialized in Tiaty, Baringo County, where angry residents stormed a recruitment centre, alleging that non-locals had arrived with cash to influence officials. Chants of "He is not from here" disrupted the exercise as locals confronted officers, demanding fairness and adherence to recruitment policies that prioritize residents. Similar frustrations were echoed by rejected candidates in other counties who cited unfair disqualifications, such as not meeting height requirements by slim margins.

Systemic Challenges and Youth Disillusionment

The low turnout and public anger reflect a broader disillusionment with the police service, which has been plagued by accusations of corruption and brutality. For many young Kenyans, joining the police is seen less as a calling and more as an escape from dire unemployment. Kenya's youth unemployment rate (ages 15-34) stands at a staggering 67%, according to the Federation of Kenya Employers. Despite these figures, the perceived lack of integrity in the recruitment process appears to be a significant deterrent.

Further complicating the exercise were specific exclusions and requirements that disappointed many hopefuls. In Kilifi, university graduates were turned away, with officials stating the drive exclusively targeted those with a KCSE grade of D+. In Lamu, female candidates were shocked to learn there were no slots available for them, despite participating in the initial stages of the process. An NPS official later clarified this was due to a lack of female-specific vacancies in that particular recruitment, advising them on how to prepare for future opportunities.

The recruitment itself was preceded by a legal tug-of-war between the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the Inspector General over who holds the constitutional mandate to hire officers. The High Court initially suspended the exercise on November 10 following a petition, only to lift the order on November 14, allowing it to proceed. This back-and-forth has been a recurring issue, creating confusion and delaying the replenishment of the police service, a situation Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned poses a risk to national security.

As the NPS moves to train the successful candidates, the challenges highlighted by this recruitment drive—from public mistrust and allegations of corruption to logistical and legal hurdles—underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to restore confidence in the institution and attract the most qualified Kenyans to serve.