President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s newly introduced police uniforms while insisting that every shilling spent on the broader police reform programme must be open to scrutiny. Speaking in Embakasi, Nairobi, Ruto said accountability should be based on facts and evidence as questions continue to surround the cost and procurement of the new attire.
Highlights
- Ruto says every shilling spent on police reforms must be accounted for.
- The President defended the newly introduced general-duty police uniform.
- He said the design followed consultations with officers and members of the public.
- Ruto acknowledged that changing uniforms alone cannot reform policing.
- Specialised units such as GSU and Administration Police will retain their current uniforms.
Main Story
Ruto Defends New Police Uniforms
President William Ruto has called for transparency in the implementation of Kenya’s police reforms, saying public resources used in the process must be fully accounted for.
The President spoke on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the passing-out parade of Administration Police recruits in Embakasi, Nairobi.
Ruto used the occasion to explain that the new police uniform unveiled last week should not be viewed as an isolated change, but as part of a wider effort to reshape the National Police Service.
Every Shilling Must Face Scrutiny
The new attire has attracted considerable public attention, particularly over questions surrounding its cost and procurement.
Ruto said such concerns are legitimate and should be investigated through proper evidence rather than accusations made before the facts are established.
He stressed that the government should be prepared to answer questions about how public funds are being used.
According to the President, accountability in the use of public money is a constitutional responsibility, rather than an optional commitment.
He urged Kenyans to ask difficult questions while allowing investigations and evidence to determine whether wrongdoing has occurred.
What Has Changed About the Uniform?
The new general-duty outfit replaces the former Persian-blue uniform with a sky-blue shirt paired with navy-blue trousers.
The design applies to both male and female general-duty officers, with the new outfit also replacing the white blouses previously worn by female officers.
The Kenya Police emblem is positioned on one sleeve, while the national flag appears on the other.
The changes follow consultations involving police officers and members of the public, with authorities saying the new design is intended to improve officers’ professional identity, functionality and sense of dignity.
Uniform Change Part of Wider Reforms
Ruto acknowledged that a new outfit by itself cannot change the way policing is carried out.
He argued, however, that how officers identify with their profession can influence discipline, confidence and the image of the service.
The uniform therefore forms one part of a wider police transformation programme arising from recommendations made during the reform process.
The National Police Service has been undergoing changes aimed at strengthening professionalism and improving service delivery.
Specialised Units Keep Their Uniforms
The new design currently applies to general-duty officers.
Specialised formations, including the General Service Unit and Administration Police, will continue using their respective uniforms.
The distinction means the rollout is not a complete replacement of police attire across the entire National Police Service.
Public Scrutiny Remains
Ruto’s comments come as Kenyans continue to debate the financial and administrative decisions surrounding the police reforms.
The President said scrutiny should help strengthen public institutions and ensure taxpayers’ money is properly protected.
His remarks also underline the government’s position that questions over expenditure should be pursued through evidence-based investigations rather than assumptions.
The debate over the new uniforms is therefore likely to continue as the government rolls out the wider police reform programme.
A new uniform may change how an officer looks, but accountability, professionalism and public trust will ultimately determine how Kenya’s police reforms are judged.
