Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has warned that lowering entry standards in the National Police Service (NPS) could damage its credibility.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show on Wednesday, Owino criticized the growing trend of admitting “wayward” and academically weak students into the force. He said this move risks eroding professionalism in the police.
High Standards in the Past
Owino pointed to Kenya’s first post-independence officers as examples of quality recruitment.
He cited Bernard Hinga, who joined from Alliance High School in 1954 and later became the first African Commissioner of Police at just 32 years old. He also mentioned James Kanyotu, Kenya’s first intelligence director, who was recruited from Makerere University in 1959.
“Now people think they can bring their bad children to the police. A child who scored a D should not automatically qualify to become an officer. There is no space for that,” Owino said.
Current Entry Requirements
Today, applicants for police constable positions need a minimum KCSE mean grade of D+. They must also have at least a D+ in English or Kiswahili.
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is preparing to recruit 10,000 new constables. For the first time, the entire process will be conducted online. The commission says this is meant to promote transparency after past exercises were marred by bribery and favoritism.
Digital vs Physical Recruitment
Owino, however, raised concerns that a fully online process could lock out qualified but disadvantaged candidates.
“The children may not even get bundles. So, if you say people must apply online, many will miss out,” he warned.
He instead proposed physical recruitment drives. According to him, candidates should be registered, their certificates verified, and then tested through dictation, running, and aptitude exams.
Owino believes that only by maintaining strict standards and fair procedures can the police service protect its professionalism and public trust.
