The National Police Service has defended its controversial decision to dismiss 18 pregnant recruits from the ongoing Basic Recruit Training Course at the National Police College, amid mounting criticism from politicians, activists, and members of the public.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, May 9, the police service dismissed widespread social media claims suggesting that some of the recruits became pregnant while undergoing training at the institution.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga insisted that no recruit conceived while at the college, describing such allegations as false and damaging to the integrity of the institution.
“We wish to state categorically, and for the record, that no female recruit conceived while at the National Police College,” Nyaga said in the statement.
The police service further defended its internal training protocols, saying the institution operates under strict supervision and discipline guidelines that prevent unsupervised interactions between male and female recruits.
“Female and male recruits only interact during official training sessions under the observation of instructors. There is no unsupervised mingling or private interaction between recruits. Any suggestion of a lapse in this regard is not only false but also an insult to the integrity of our training protocols,” the statement added.
According to the NPS, the affected recruits were discontinued within the first month of reporting to training after mandatory medical screenings confirmed they were pregnant.
The service explained that all female recruits are subjected to compulsory pregnancy tests immediately upon arrival at Kiganjo. Any recruit who tests positive is reportedly referred to a government medical facility in Nyeri for a second confirmatory examination before action is taken.
Police authorities maintained that the dismissals were conducted in line with the National Police Service Standing Orders and existing training regulations.
The NPS also defended the policy on safety grounds, arguing that the physically intensive nature of police training could endanger both pregnant recruits and unborn children.
Officials noted that the residential training programme includes strenuous drills, obstacle courses, endurance exercises, and firearms training, activities they say are unsuitable for expectant recruits.
The controversy emerged days after the Commandant of the National Police College disclosed that 54 recruits had been discontinued from the current intake involving more than 5,000 trainees nationwide.
Among those removed from the programme were 18 recruits found to be pregnant, 18 accused of presenting forged academic certificates, 10 recruits with previous criminal convictions, two alleged to have used fake national identification cards, and two others with terminal medical conditions.
The move has since ignited political and legal debate, with several leaders questioning whether the pregnant recruits should have been deferred rather than dismissed outright.
Millie Odhiambo criticised the decision and hinted at possible legal and parliamentary action, arguing that the dismissals raise serious questions about discrimination and the rights of women in public service recruitment.
At the same time, Gathoni Wamuchomba also condemned the move, insisting that pregnancy should not automatically disqualify women from pursuing careers in law enforcement.
The incident has now triggered a wider national conversation about gender rights, workplace equality, and whether existing police recruitment policies align with constitutional protections on discrimination and maternal rights.
Also Read: OCS, Constable Held Over Nightclub Gun Drama in Eldoret