Police Commission moves to Supreme Court in fight over human resource powers

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has appealed to the Supreme Court to clarify its constitutional authority regarding police recruitment, promotion, transfers and disciplinary actions, following a Court of Appeal ruling that restricted its powers. NPSC Chairperson Dr Amani Yuda Komora announced the filing of a Notice of Appeal on October 30, 2026, in response to the Court of Appeal's October 16, 2026, decision.

The dispute centers on the interpretation of Articles 245 and 246 of the Constitution, which define the roles of the Inspector-General of Police and the NPSC in police administration. The NPSC asserts that these articles grant them distinct yet interconnected roles, emphasizing the need for their respective responsibilities to be upheld within constitutional boundaries.

Komora argued that Articles 245 and 246, along with Article 249, which protects the independence of constitutional commissions, must be interpreted together to provide clarity on the NPSC's mandate. He highlighted that the Court of Appeal's ruling raises fundamental constitutional questions with far-reaching implications for police reform.

The NPSC seeks the Supreme Court's interpretation to resolve the constitutional ambiguity and ensure that the Commission's role in human resource management is preserved. The organization maintains that the 2010 Constitution's establishment of the NPSC was guided by police reform recommendations aimed at separating human resource management from operational command, fostering professionalism, accountability, and transparency.

Komora emphasized that the Commission's pursuit of this appeal is not about institutional conflict or operational interference but about safeguarding constitutional checks and balances. The Supreme Court appeal is anticipated to clarify the constitutional framework governing police administration and officer management.