5,080 AP constables graduate as Ruto calls for more accountable policing

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Administration Police Service has welcomed 5,080 new constables into its ranks following their Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi 'A' Campus. President William Ruto emphasized that the success of police reforms will be determined by how officers treat and protect citizens, urging the recruits to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure accountability.

The Government has expanded the National Police Service's capacity to counter various threats while improving service delivery and community presence. President Ruto challenged the new officers to focus on protecting citizens, rejecting corruption, and responding promptly to calls. The President highlighted that police reforms aim to create a professional, technologically capable, and accountable service, with significant investments in salaries, housing, medical care, equipment, and technology.

The reforms, based on the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, are designed to strengthen the response to security threats and improve border security. However, the new deployment comes amid increased public scrutiny of police conduct, and President Ruto called for such scrutiny to be based on facts and evidence, emphasizing the importance of accountability for the reform program funded with public resources.