Police to start wearing new uniform from next week
General Duty officers under the Kenya Police Service (KPS) will begin wearing a new police uniform next week after the National Police Service (NPS) adopted recommendations from a public participation exercise. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the new attire will be unveiled by President William Ruto during the passing out parade for police […]
Kenya's police force will commence wearing a new uniform starting next week, as the National Police Service (NPS) approved modifications following a public engagement exercise. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja disclosed that the new attire will be presented by President William Ruto during the graduation ceremony for police constables at the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo on August 28, 2026.
The change comes after a 2023 public feedback process where officers expressed dissatisfaction with the existing deep navy blue attire, advocating for alterations to better suit their operational needs.
Inspector General Kanja clarified that the new uniform is a return to a previously approved design, stating, "We have been using the blue, the deep blue one, so we have just reverted back to the one that was agreed upon. I must note that on Monday, I will also be in that one." The new attire will initially be donned by the graduating officers before being progressively adopted by General Duty officers throughout the service.
Kanja emphasized that the introduction of the new uniform aims to enhance police morale and improve overall service delivery.
The new uniform will not be mandated for officers serving in the Administration Police Service and the General Service Unit, who will continue to wear their current attire. Kanja highlighted that the gradual rollout of the new outfit is anticipated to bolster police morale and contribute to a more effective force multiplier.
Speaking after inspecting the preparations for the upcoming graduation parade, Kanja cautioned the newly trained officers against engaging in criminal activities or acting on the instructions of others as Kenya prepares for the General Election. He urged the recruits to maintain professionalism, respect the law, and uphold discipline as they embark on their duties within the National Police Service.
The graduation ceremony, expected to witness the formal entry of over 6,000 recruits into the police force, will also serve as the platform for President Ruto to introduce the new General Duty uniform.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
