Ruto Explains Why Police Officers Are Getting Uniforms For Free

President William Ruto has ordered Inspector General of the Police, Japhet Koome to ensure that police officers no longer have to pay to get uniforms provided by the government.

Speaking on Tuesday, January 10, during the pass out of police constables at Kiganjo, Nyeri County, the Head of State said it was the government's duty to provide the officers with uniforms that meet the required standards and ensure that no officer buys the appropriate uniform using money drawn from their own pockets.

He expressed his displeasure at witnessing a situation whereby police officers were not only paying for the uniforms with their own money but also getting substandard quality subsequently.

President William Ruto speaking during the passing out of police constables at Kiganjo, Nyeri County on January 10, 2023. /KITHURE KINDIKI

“Mr IG as we expect these great officers to perform their part of the bargain, I expect that we honour our part even as we wait for the recommendations of the police task force, that these police officers who leave here today each officer will the requisite uniform.

“It is my expectation that these officers will be given a uniform by the government of Kenya. I expect that the uniform that these men and women will be given will be of the quality that meets the standard for our police men and women who perform a distinguished security function in the republic of Kenya,” he added.

The President also reiterated his government's commitment to providing better working conditions for police officers, with the formation of a Presidential Taskforce on police reforms among the steps he was taking to ensure better conditions for them.

He also revealed plans to provide decent and spacious residential facilities for the officers as part of the nationwide affordable housing plan.

"We have prioritised the provision of spacious, comfortable, safe, secure, and affordable housing for police officers in our affordable housing plan. This will go a long way in delivering our pledge to address the housing shortage facing members of the police service," he stated.

On Thursday, December 12, he appointed former Chief Justice David Maraga to chair a 23-member task force to oversee the improvement of reforms for members of the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS).

The purpose of the task force will be to review and recommend improvement of the terms and conditions of service. It will also:

1. Identify the legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational constraints on effective service delivery by the National Police Service (hereafter, NPS) and the Kenya Prisons Service (hereafter, KPS);
2. Identify and recommend legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational reforms in the NPS and KPS for effective service delivery;
3. Review and recommend improvement of matters relating to the welfare of officers in all cadres of the NPS and KPS and all other matters incidental to the optimal service delivery by the NPS and KPS. 
4. Review and recommend any other matter incidental to improved terms and conditions of service and other reforms in the NPS and KPS.