Police recruits at the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo.Police recruits identified during the recent national recruitment exercise have officially commenced their basic training at the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo.
The start of the training marks a key milestone for the National Police Service (NPS) after months of delay caused by court cases.
The NPS conducted police recruitment on Monday, November 17, identifying 10,000 constables in an exercise that had been postponed several times following legal challenges.
The National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo. /NPS
Successful candidates reported to various training colleges in late November ahead of the formal opening of their courses.
“This is not just a job. You have a responsibility to be part of the change that this country desires to see in its police service. Kenyans deserve effective, people-centred, and accountable policing for a safe and prosperous society,” Inspector General Douglas Kanja said during the official opening of the Basic Recruit Training Course No. 1/2025 on December 16.
The Inspector General formally opened the course at Kiganjo, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat.
The police recruits were received by College Commandant Munga Nyale, SAIG, alongside other senior officers.
IG Douglas Kanja (R) with Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat at Kiganjo, December 16, 2025. /NPS
Police recruits at the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo.Addressing the recruits, Kanja welcomed the new cohort of young Kenyan men and women to the National Police College and into the National Police Service, congratulating them on their success in what he described as a highly competitive recruitment process.
He reminded the recruits that the National Police Service is a national security organ established under the constitution and the law, with a mandate to maintain law and order, enforce the law, and ensure public safety and security.
Their enlistment, he said, reflected their potential, character, and commitment to serving the nation.
The Inspector General emphasised that the badge the recruits aspire to wear symbolises a solemn promise to protect and serve, often at great personal risk.
The Inspector General formally opened the course at Kiganjo. /NPSHe assured them that the training would equip them with the knowledge, skills, attitude, and character required to discharge their duties effectively and professionally.
Kanja also underscored the importance of discipline and teamwork, noting that these values are critical not only during training but throughout an officer’s career in the Service.
The event also featured a farewell ceremony for the outgoing Deputy Commandant Esther Wangechi Mwangi, AIG, who is retiring after more than 36 years of service in the National Police Service, including over 13 years at the College.
She was lauded for her professionalism, sacrifice, exemplary discipline, and integrity, and for leaving behind a lasting legacy of dedicated service.
Director of Training-APS Bianca NdanuAlso present were Deputy Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations John Onyango, SAIG, representing the DCI; Director of Training-APS Bianca Ndanu, AIG, representing the DIG-APS; Director of Training-NPS Philip Opiyo, AIG; Director of Corporate Communications and NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, AIG; College Deputy Commandant Donatha Kiplagat, AIG; and other senior officers.
