In a marked departure from the familiar royal navy blue uniforms introduced under former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's tenure, Kenya's National Police Service (NPS) has revealed plans to adopt a fresh look for its officers. Images released by the NPS show a move towards sky blue shirts, offering both short and long sleeves for officers' comfort and convenience.

A Distinctive Emblem: The proposed uniforms will retain the iconic Kenyan flag on the right side, accompanied by the NPS logo on the left. Notably, if approved, the new attire will also reintroduce navy blue trousers and skirts for a well-rounded ensemble.

Public Voices Matter: Keen on involving the public in this significant decision, the NPS is actively seeking input from citizens regarding the proposed uniform change. To facilitate this exchange of opinions, the NPS has charted out a series of stakeholder forums. These forums serve as platforms for Kenyans to voice their thoughts on the potential transition.

The Inaugural Dialogue: The first forum is scheduled for today at the Kenya Police Pavilion in South C, Nairobi. This initial conversation will set the tone for subsequent forums, which are slated to take place at the Ruring'u Police Training College and the National Police College-Main Campus Kiganjo on August 30 and 31, respectively.

Origins of Change: The catalyst for this proposed uniform shift traces back to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's sentiments in the lead-up to the 2022 general election. Gachagua, advocating for officers' input in uniform selection, promised a return to the previous attire if elected. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current uniforms, suggesting they were chosen without adequate consultation.

Historical Context: The royal navy blue uniforms that have adorned police officers since September 2018 were introduced under the leadership of former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and unveiled by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. These changes aimed to enhance the police's relationship with the public as part of broader service reforms.

As the NPS invites the nation's thoughts on this proposed transformation, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future image of Kenya's police force.