Murkomen Rolls Out Sweeping Reforms on Police Station Designs, Uniforms and Promotions
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced far-reaching reforms aimed at reshaping Kenya’s policing system, touching on infrastructure, attire, and staff welfare.
Speaking at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) in Ngong during the OCS Consultative Conference, Murkomen revealed that the government will set aside funds in the supplementary budget to redesign police stations across the country.
Under the new model, every station will be equipped with modern facilities, including gender desks, offices for OCS, child protection units, CCTV systems, and secure armouries. He stressed that ICT equipment will also be mandatory to ensure fully functional stations.
“The Department of Public Works and TVET institutions will work hand in hand with the Inspector General’s office to standardize these designs. We are starting with 300 police stations before scaling up to the rest of the country,” Murkomen explained.
The CS insisted the government wants uniformity and modernization in police infrastructure, avoiding the trend of poorly planned individual projects.
Recruitment Drive and Uniform Changes
Murkomen also disclosed that official recruitment dates will be announced by Monday, with the nationwide exercise slated for September, following directives from President William Ruto.
On attire, the CS confirmed that all police officers and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) will soon receive new uniforms. Importantly, female officers will now have access to maternity uniforms, ensuring they can continue serving comfortably during pregnancy.
“I have directed the IG to consider maternity uniforms so that our female officers are not disadvantaged when expecting,” Murkomen said.
Promotions and Motivation
Beyond infrastructure and uniforms, the ministry is working on a legal framework to streamline promotions, remuneration, and schemes of service.
Murkomen emphasized that stagnation has demoralized many officers, pointing out that corporals with over 15 years of service and constables aged 50 deserve fair upward mobility.
The upcoming law will also establish clear guidelines on transfers and duration of service in one station. In addition, Murkomen directed senior police leaders to design a reward scheme for officers who go above and beyond in their duties, with proposals expected soon.
These reforms, he said, will not only improve working conditions for officers but also enhance service delivery to the public.
Also Read: Shock as Over 120,000 Learners Fail to Reappear for Junior School Exams
Murkomen Rolls Out Sweeping Reforms on Police Station Designs, Uniforms and Promotions