Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is preparing to introduce an automated system for police recruitment in Kenya.
Murkomen made the announcement after hosting the commission’s leadership, led by Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia.
He explained that the move is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize security agencies and enhance transparency in the recruitment process.
“The commission is in the process of piloting an automated police recruitment system. This initiative aims to improve accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the hiring of officers,” Murkomen stated.
The CS further noted that discussions are ongoing to identify potential weaknesses in the new system and to ensure all loopholes that could encourage corruption are sealed.
He emphasized that automating the recruitment process is a major milestone that the commission is determined to achieve before the end of its current term.
The decision to automate recruitment comes as a response to recommendations made by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
In 2023, Maraga, who chaired the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, released a damning report exposing deep-rooted corruption in police recruitment.
According to the report, senior officers were found to be selling recruitment slots for amounts as high as Ksh600,000.
Additionally, the task force received numerous complaints from the public, detailing how some officers demanded bribes or even sexual favors in exchange for positions within the National Police Service.
With the introduction of automation, aspiring police officers will be required to submit their applications online through a centralized system.
This will not only streamline the recruitment process but also prevent human interference that could lead to favoritism or corruption.
Beyond the recruitment automation, Murkomen highlighted that the commission is also making progress in addressing other critical issues within the police force. These include the review of police salaries and the promotion process for officers.
Meanwhile, the process of appointing new members to the NPSC is already underway. This recruitment is expected to take at least two months, as a new chairman is also being sought to lead the commission.
In February 2025, a selection panel was sworn in to oversee the appointment process. The panel is responsible for recruiting individuals to key positions within the police service, confirming appointments, and making decisions on promotions and transfers within the National Police Service.
These changes mark a significant step in reforming the police force, with the goal of creating a more transparent and merit-based system.
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