The National Police Service (NPS) is set to add 10,000 newly trained officers to its ranks as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The new officers are expected to graduate from the National Police Service Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, on August 28.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lang’at confirmed the plans on Friday, August 21, during an oversight visit to the college by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on National Administration and Internal Security.
Lang’at said the recruitment comes at a time when the country is preparing for increased security demands ahead of the elections.
“The recruitment comes at a critical time as the country heads towards the 2027 elections, when increased security interventions will be required,” the Deputy Inspector General said.
He said the additional officers would help address staffing challenges within the service, which has faced a decline in personnel following years of limited recruitment.
The new officers are expected to be deployed to different parts of the country to strengthen police operations as preparations for the 2027 polls continue.
Parliament raises staffing concerns
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who chairs the committee, said Parliament had previously raised concerns about the shortage of police officers.
Tongoyo noted that the country had gone four years without a fresh police recruitment exercise, contributing to pressure on the existing workforce.
The committee has also called for increased funding for police operations, while pushing for the modernisation of equipment and better welfare for officers.
The planned deployment comes shortly after the NPS held a high-level meeting with the Ministry of Interior and other stakeholders to assess preparations for election security.
The meeting held on August 19 focused on public order management, use of technology in policing, accountability, training and coordination between security agencies.
New officers trained in cybercrime
Apart from the regular police training, the recruits have also been introduced to emerging areas such as cybercrime.
The training is expected to give the service additional capacity to deal with security threats that have become more complex.
Lang’at said the NPS was also working to strengthen its response to firearms, criminal gangs and other threats affecting communities.
The addition of the 10,000 officers is part of wider preparations by the security agencies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with recruitment, training and operational planning being carried out as the country moves closer to the polls.
