The National Police Service is preparing for a major recruitment exercise that will happen on Monday, November 17, and many young Kenyans are expected to show up.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that the process will take place in a single day, showing the urgency and planning behind this nationwide activity.
His announcement on Friday, November 14, explained that the recruitment will be held in 427 centres across the country, allowing thousands of applicants to participate without needing to travel far.
The exercise is scheduled to run from 8 am to 5 pm, and the goal is to recruit at least 10,000 new police constables.
This follows an advertisement published by the National Police Service on October 31, 2025, inviting qualified young people to join the service.
The notice had created anticipation among many Kenyans seeking employment and a chance to serve the country.
The confirmation of the recruitment date brought clarity after days of uncertainty.
Earlier in the week, the recruitment process had been temporarily halted by the High Court. Justice Bahati Mwamuye had suspended the exercise on November 10 after activist Eliud Matindi filed a petition.
Matindi argued that the Inspector General did not have the constitutional power to independently conduct the recruitment.
The court’s decision caused confusion and concern for applicants who had already prepared for the exercise.
However, the suspension was lifted on Friday, clearing the way for the recruitment to continue as planned.In its statement, the National Police Service described the exercise as a new dawn for Kenya.
The service encouraged eligible young men and women to take part, adding that the new group of officers will help drive ongoing reforms aimed at improving policing standards and building trust with the public.
Unlike the military, which usually carries out recruitment over several days, the police will conduct the entire process in just one day. This difference highlights the unique nature of police recruitment and the rapid approach taken by the service.
Applicants are required to meet several conditions before taking part. They must be Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 28 years, possess a valid national ID, and have at least a D plus in KCSE, including a minimum of D plus in English or Kiswahili.
Physical and medical fitness are also mandatory. Male applicants must be at least 5 feet 8 inches tall, while female applicants must be at least 5 feet 3 inches tall.
Women are also required not to be pregnant during the recruitment or training period. Individuals with felony records or ongoing criminal cases will not be allowed to participate, although qualified National Youth Service graduates are encouraged to try their luck.
The National Police Service also sent a strong warning against corruption during the recruitment. It stressed that anyone caught giving or receiving a bribe will face serious legal consequences. The service reminded the public that the recruitment is free and fair, and that integrity is a key requirement for anyone hoping to join the police.
