Police uniform deal must be transparent

The newly unveiled National Police Service (NPS) uniform has generally been met with approval, yet the procurement process has sparked questions that demand transparency. The public has the right to know if the expenditure of public funds is justified and if it offers value for money. Proponents of the new uniform argue it enhances the police service's image compared to the previous design.

The tender for the new uniform remains shrouded in secrecy, with only top officials privy to the supplier and cost. Despite names of a few firms being mentioned, the full details remain undisclosed. Approximately 60,000 officers will don the uniform, a purchase that will cost the government over Sh2 billion. The uniform features an embroidered name tag, service number, police logo on the left sleeve, and the National Flag on the right.

While the police's operations must be handled diligently to prevent compromising security, they are not exempt from good governance principles. The opaque procurement process has raised concerns, with some critics hinting at a potential mega tender scandal. A key question is whether the tender was advertised openly or reserved for a select few. It is crucial that the tender for uniforms, particularly for the police and military, is awarded to transparent entities, not mysterious briefcase companies.

For the uniform to be deemed locally made, it should be produced in a secure facility with stringent controls as a crucial safeguard. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen must be transparent about the procurement process and provide a public assurance that the suppliers meet stringent security standards.