State to review police entry grades in marginalised areas, says CS Murkomen

“We have listened to the leaders and communities. Many youths from pastoralist areas are being locked out because of education challenges beyond their control," Murkomen said

by STEPHEN ASTARIKO

North-eastern12 October 2025 - 11:20

In Summary

Speaking at a Thanksgiving ceremony for newly appointed Police Service Commission Chair Dr. Amani Yuda Komora, Murkomen said that many pastoralists have been locked out due to their grades.
“We have listened to the leaders and communities. Many youths from pastoralist areas are being locked out because of education challenges beyond their control. This affirmative action will ensure inclusivity in service,” Murkomen said.

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The government is considering a special affirmative action plan to lower police recruitment entry grades for candidates from pastoralist and marginalised communities.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced Murkomen revealed that the proposal arose from widespread calls made during the recently concluded Jukwaa la Usalama security forums.

Speaking at a Thanksgiving ceremony for newly appointed Police Service Commission Chair Dr. Amani Yuda Komora, Murkomen said that many pastoralists have been locked out due to their grades.

“We have listened to the leaders and communities. Many youths from pastoralist areas are being locked out because of education challenges beyond their control. This affirmative action will ensure inclusivity in service,” Murkomen said.

He was responding to remarks by residents and leaders who had voiced their concerns that the current academic threshold for joining the National Police Service is excluding many qualified young people in underdeveloped regions.

Tana River County Assembly Majority Leader Babusa Hamid proposed that the minimum entry grade be lowered to a D-minus for applicants from marginalized counties.

“Our Cabinet Secretary, I was sent by the youth this very morning. They are frustrated—many didn’t meet the current academic qualifications, not by fault, but due to lack of schools and infrastructure during their high school years,” he stated.

“If approved, the proposed reforms could mark a significant shift in the country’s recruitment policy, opening doors for thousands of qualified but disadvantaged youths across Kenya's marginalized regions,” said Narok senator Ledama Ole Kina.

However, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who officiated the ceremony as chief guest, cautioned that while inclusivity was important, it must not come at the expense of professionalism in the police service.

“We have built a respected police service, both locally and internationally. Currently, 800 of our officers are serving in Haiti under the United Nations mission, and we have yet to receive any reports of human rights violations,” said Mudavadi.

He added that Kenya is actively lobbying for the appointment of DCI boss Mohamed Amin to head Interpol, an indication of the country’s rising reputation in global policing.

“You cannot go below the existing level. You either maintain or improve to higher standards of professionalism and integrity,” Mudavadi told Dr. Komora, urging him to uphold and promote the highest standards in the service.

Dr Komora, promised to meet the expectations of Kenyans as he is set to serve in the commission as chair.

The event was graced by top leaders among them the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, Secretary General of Central Organization of Trade Union Francis Atwoli, former chair of the National Police Service Commission Eliud Kinuthia, Tana River Governor Dhado Godhana, Several MPs and senators.