The National Taskforce, spearheaded by former Chief Justice David Maraga, has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the National Police Service (NPS) recruitment process. If adopted, Kenyans aspiring to join the NPS will be required to submit online applications for advertised positions.

The taskforce submitted its report to President William Ruto on Thursday, highlighting the need to automate the police recruitment process for increased professionalism and alignment with international standards.

Former CJ Maraga underscored that public complaints regarding bribery and inappropriate demands from senior officers necessitated these changes to ensure transparency and equity in the recruitment process.

"To stem malpractices in recruitment into the Services and promote competence, accountability and integrity, the Taskforce recommends automation of the recruitment processes, starting with online applications for the advertised positions followed by personal interviews at the recruitment centres," part of the report stated.

Among the recommendations, Maraga proposed raising the minimum KCSE entry grade for police recruitment from the current D+ to C-; however, the minimum entry grade for officers in marginalized areas would remain at D+.

The training duration for recruits is suggested to extend from nine to twelve months, focusing on competency-based coaching in alignment with international police standards.

To enhance mobility and prevent stagnation, the Taskforce recommended limiting an officer's service in one county to a maximum of three years, with exceptions for those deployed to specialized units.

If adopted, officers in the police, prisons, and National Youth Service (NYS) can anticipate a 40% salary increase over the next three years.

"The Taskforce has recommended that the basic salary of the members of the three Services be raised by 40 per cent at the lowest constable level with a decompression ratio, based on the current salary, achieving a 3 per cent increment in basic salary at the highest rank. The new remuneration structure should be implemented in three (3) phases from July 1, 2024," the report outlined.

President Ruto, while receiving the report, highlighted ongoing discussions between the National Treasury and the Salaries and Remunerations Commission (SRC) on funding the proposed changes.