Nairobi – 7 October 2025

The National Police Service (NPS) has announced November 17, 2025, as the new date for recruiting police constables across Kenya, ending months of uncertainty following a court order that had stalled the exercise.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed the development, saying the recruitment will take place simultaneously in all sub-counties, with the process expected to be “open, transparent, and merit-based.”

“We’re ready to proceed nationwide. The process will be free and fair, and anyone found soliciting bribes will face arrest,” Kanja said in a statement released on Monday.

Strict Eligibility Rules

The NPS outlined clear eligibility requirements for applicants. Candidates must be Kenyan citizens aged 18 to 28, hold a valid national ID, and have scored at least a D+ in KCSE, including English or Kiswahili.

Applicants must also meet physical and medical fitness standards, with men required to be at least 5 feet 8 inches tall and women 5 feet 3 inches. Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment or training.

Those with criminal records or pending charges will automatically be disqualified, while graduates of the National Youth Service (NYS) meeting the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who recently inspected police facilities in Nairobi, said the recruitment aims to strengthen community policing and fill critical personnel gaps.

How to Apply

Applicants can download and complete forms from official police websites, including those of the NPS, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Administration Police (AP). Forms will also be available at Huduma Centres countrywide.

On the recruitment day, candidates must report to designated centres by 8 a.m., carrying original and photocopies of their academic certificates, national ID, birth certificate, and, if applicable, NYS discharge papers rated “Good” or above.

Recruitment Centres Nationwide

Recruitment venues have been spread across major towns and sub-counties to ensure fair access. Centres include Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Kenyatta Grounds in Kisumu, and Eldoret ASK Showground.

Each county will host multiple sites, from urban hubs like Nairobi and Mombasa to rural areas in Nyeri, Kuresoi, and Muhoroni, allowing applicants from all regions an equal chance to serve.

Public Warning Over Corruption

The NPS reiterated that no money should be paid at any stage of the recruitment.

“Anyone found offering or accepting a bribe to influence the process will face legal action,” the statement read.

Past recruitment drives have often drawn complaints of bribery and nepotism. This time, the police leadership has promised tighter oversight and independent monitoring to protect integrity in the hiring process.

The recruitment is expected to bring in hundreds of new constables to boost Kenya’s security operations amid growing population demands and new policing challenges.