Ruto Orders Promotion for All Police Constables Aged 50 and Above
President William Ruto has approved the promotion of police officers serving at the rank of constable who are aged 50 years and above, with the changes set to take effect in June 2026. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, during an engagement with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).
The move is intended to honour officers nearing retirement after decades of service. “Tumekubaliana askari wote ambao ni constable, ambao wako na miaka 50, nab ado yeye ni constable wote wawe promoted,” President Ruto stated, confirming that all qualifying constables would be elevated in rank.
In a related development, all chiefs and assistant chiefs who have completed mandatory training at the Embakasi B Campus will also be promoted by one rank. These promotions are expected to be implemented once the required budgetary allocations are incorporated in the 2026/27 financial year. “All chiefs and assistant chiefs are going to be promoted by one rank, June 2026, when the funds have been incorporated into the budget,” the President added.
The reforms follow a request from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who had raised concerns about stagnation among local administrators who have remained in the same positions for extended periods.
Financial Recognition for Village Elders
Alongside the promotions, President Ruto approved a monthly stipend of Ksh3,500 for village elders, marking the first formal financial recognition of their contributions to local governance. The stipend is intended to enhance the welfare of these grassroots officials who play a crucial role in community administration.
Reforms to Police Transfers and Operational Deployment
The President also announced changes aimed at improving career stability and operational efficiency within the police service. Officers will no longer be transferred before completing at least one year at a duty station, a directive aimed at addressing the frequent redeployments that previously hindered professional growth and promotion opportunities.
Transfers will now consider officers’ social and family circumstances, and those aged 50 and above will gradually be redeployed closer to their home areas as they near retirement. Additionally, deployment in operational regions will be limited to a maximum of three years.
Addressing Logistical Challenges
President Ruto’s reforms also target longstanding logistical challenges within the police service. Plans to procure 1,200 vehicles have been expanded to 3,000 units following additional funding commitments. Measures are also underway to tackle persistent fuel shortages that have affected police mobility, with proposals to introduce electric vehicles as part of the modernization drive.
The reforms form part of a broader government agenda to enhance welfare, mobility, and career progression for police officers and local administrators, reflecting an effort to strengthen institutional efficiency and acknowledge the contributions of public servants across the country.
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Ruto Orders Promotion for All Police Constables Aged 50 and Above