The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has urged the National Assembly to allocate additional funds for recruitment of new police officers.
Appearing before the House’ committee on Security, Commission’s CEO Peter Leley said although they have been allocated Sh1.33 billion for the 2025/26 fiscal year, additional funding is necessary to address various needs within the service.
“We have several key initiatives that require funding among them recruitment of 10,000 new officers this year and implementation of the Maraga Police Reforms,” he explained.
Leley emphasised their mandate in recruiting and appointment of individuals to serve in the police service.
According to sector reports filed with the National Treasury, which inform the budget, the recruitment process will be done in the financial year starting July 1.
The government had initially planned to conduct the recruitment in March.
Another set of 10,000 is planned for in the subsequent year and 10,000 in the third year of the medium-term spending framework.
Other priorities, Leley outlined, include enhancing the staff house mortgage scheme, leasing vehicles to improve staff mobility, and increasing resources for police modernisation.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat also provided insights into the police service’s budget, which has been allocated a proposed budget of Sh118.42 billion.
The service's key objectives for 2025/26 and the Medium Term include expanding the police modernisation program from 29 per cent to 46 per cent through the acquisition of assorted security equipment and recruiting 20,000 officers.
Additionally, the service plans to issue 3.6 million police clearance certificates to improve public safety and efficiency and equip the forensics lab, among other initiatives.
On his part, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin raised concerns over the underfunding of his department, noting that security operations and investigations are costly.
“Crimes are becoming more sophisticated, and we need to keep up with technology. This requires budgetary allocations to help us equip our officers,” he said.
The Committee also inquired about the status of police housing projects, with the DIG revealing that the NPS currently manages 23,190 housing units, but needs a total of 101,230 units.
He appealed for continued support from the Ministry of Housing to maintain these units, address outdated infrastructure, and manage utility bills more effectively.
The Committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo is set to review the NPSC's requests and prepare a report to be submitted to the Liaison Committee for further consideration.
