How Ruto’s police uniform gamble puts Kenya’s wider reform agenda under scrutiny

President William Ruto's defence of Kenya's new police uniform has turned a dispute over its design and procurement into a broader test of how his administration is implementing reforms at the National Police Service. The new General Duty uniform, unveiled by Ruto in August, consists of a light-blue shirt or blouse, dark navy trousers, and a beret.

It replaces the deep-blue uniform introduced in 2018, while specialised formations retain their distinctive attire. Ruto argues that the uniform is part of a wider programme aimed at improving policing through better welfare, housing, training, equipment, technology, and institutional capacity. However, the rollout is under scrutiny due to the recommendations of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms chaired by retired Chief Justice David Maraga, which recommended reverting to the previous uniform for three years while a new one was developed.

The taskforce also recommended public and police participation in the design process, proper approval and quality control, and more reliable systems for the supply and distribution of uniforms. The procurement of the new uniforms has been the subject of public criticism, with questions about the cost and process. The NPS says Bedi Investments Limited was awarded the contract to manufacture and stitch the new General Duty uniforms, but the process has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

Brief written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.