Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that the ongoing stalemate delaying the recruitment of new police officers will soon be resolved through legal means.
Murkomen stated that the government was determined to ensure the planned recruitment exercise proceeds without breaching any court orders.
“I have no problem with the Police Service or the Commission. There is a case in court challenging the recruitment process, but I have sat with the Inspector General and Komora (Commission chairperson) to find a legal solution,” Murkomen said.
He added that discussions were underway between the Interior Ministry, the National Police Service (NPS), and the Commission to clear the way for the resumption of the exercise.
“We are exploring a legal avenue to conclude the matter, and I believe that within a few days, we shall start the recruitment process so that our young people can get employment,” he said.
The CS made the remarks Saturday in Tana River County during a thanksgiving ceremony for National Police Service Commission (NPSC) chairperson Yuda Komora.
Murkomen further revealed that the upcoming recruitment will incorporate affirmative action measures to promote inclusivity, particularly in marginalised regions.
He said the proposal to review entry qualifications for recruits from disadvantaged areas was among the key recommendations emerging from the recently held Jukwaa la Usalama forums.
“We want fairness and equality in the police service. That is why we are considering lowering qualifications in certain areas and giving direct slots to members of smaller communities,” the CS explained.
According to Murkomen, similar inclusivity measures will be extended to other sectors of the public service to ensure that all Kenyans have equal access to government opportunities.
“Our goal is to make every Kenyan feel represented and valued in national institutions. Diversity in the police service is part of that vision,” he said.
The assurance comes amid a temporary halt of the nationwide police recruitment exercise following a court case filed to challenge the process.
The petition challenging the process was filed by former legislator Harun Mwau.
On October 2, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi issued a temporary order halting the recruitment of 10,000 police officers, dealing a legal setback to the National Police Service (NPS).
The recruitment was to start on Friday, October 3, 2025.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa, came in response to a petition filed by John Harun Mwau against the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
According to the court documents, an interim conservatory order was issued, staying the entire recruitment process until the petition is fully resolved.
"Interim conservatory order is hereby issued, staying the entire recruitment pending resolution of the Petition," the court stated in its ruling.
The order directs the IG and NPSC to file their response within seven days, while the petitioner is allowed the same period to file further affidavits and submissions.
The court also scheduled the next mention on October 21, 2025, to confirm compliance and address highlighted submissions.
