Kenya’s general duty police officers are set for a new look from the end of August, with the National Police Service preparing to phase out the current deep navy blue uniform. President William Ruto is expected to officially unveil the new attire during a passing-out parade at Kiganjo Police Training College on Friday, August 28.
Highlights
- General duty police officers will begin wearing a new uniform.
- President William Ruto is expected to unveil the outfit at Kiganjo.
- The change follows recommendations from a 2023 public participation exercise.
- Newly trained recruits will be among the first officers to wear the new uniform.
- Administration Police and GSU officers will retain their current attire.
Main Story
Kenya Police Prepare for New Uniform
Kenya’s general duty police officers are set to adopt a new uniform as the National Police Service begins replacing the current navy blue outfit.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced the change on Tuesday, saying the new design was based on feedback gathered during a public participation exercise involving police officers in 2023.
During the consultations, officers reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the existing deep blue uniform and backed an alternative design.
Ruto to Unveil the New Outfit
President William Ruto is expected to officially launch the new uniform on Friday, August 28, during the passing-out ceremony for newly trained police recruits at Kiganjo Police Training College.
The graduating officers are expected to become some of the first members of the service to wear the new attire.
The change will then be rolled out gradually to other general duty officers rather than being implemented across the entire National Police Service at once.
Kanja Explains the Change
Kanja said the new attire reflects the design that had previously been agreed upon following consultations with officers.
The Inspector General indicated that the decision was intended to address the needs of police officers and improve their experience while carrying out their duties.
The transition therefore marks a move away from the uniform currently associated with general duty officers and introduces an outfit selected through an earlier consultation process.
Not All Police Units Will Change
The uniform changes will not apply to every branch of the National Police Service.
Officers serving under the Administration Police Service and the General Service Unit will continue wearing their existing uniforms.
The initial rollout is specifically focused on general duty officers within the Kenya Police Service.
Gradual Transition
The introduction of the new uniform is expected to take place in phases, beginning with newly trained recruits before extending to officers already serving in the field.
The approach means Kenyans may see both the outgoing and incoming uniforms being worn by different officers during the transition period.
The change also comes as the National Police Service continues efforts to modernise aspects of policing and respond to feedback from officers and the public.
For Kenyans, the new uniform will offer a visible change in the appearance of one of the country’s most recognisable public institutions.
From navy blue to a new design, Kenya’s police uniform is changing but the bigger question will be whether the new look comes with equally meaningful changes on the ground.
