Murkomen to unveil reforms on police promotions, transfers

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration will roll out major reforms in the National Police Service aimed at strengthening oversight and addressing cases of misconduct within the Service.

The reforms, ranging from promotion of police officers to their transfer, will also ensure the officers do not stay at a particular rank and location for long.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the OCS Consultative Conference at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong', Murkomen said that corporals who have served for 15 years and constables who are 50 years old should be promoted on merit, noting that stagnation in ranks demoralizes the officers.

"This is a stopgap measure. The real issue, as discussed in Jukwaa la Usalama, is to have a standing policy that defines how long an officer can stay in a particular rank. Career progression must also be linked to remuneration and the scheme of service," Murkomen said.

He also said that the government will soon introduce clear guidelines on police transfer to prevent officers from overstaying in one location, using a set ceiling period.

"We want to be clear about how long a police officer serves in an operational area and when to be transferred from one place to another," he said.

The CS also announced plans for a reward scheme to recognize exemplary service in the police and administrative units.

He said an annual recognition day will be introduced to celebrate officers who excel in leadership, sports, and service delivery, including managing model police stations.

Murkomen said, adding that rewarding outstanding officers would boost morale and encourage professionalism across the service.

On recruitment, Murkomen announced that the ministry will issue official dates by Monday, with the exercise expected to take place within September as directed earlier by President William Ruto.