Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at addressing long-standing frustrations within the National Police Service, including automatic merit-based promotions for officers who have stagnated in the same rank for years.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama meeting in Kericho, Murkomen announced that all police constables aged 50 years and above will be promoted automatically on merit, ending the previous requirement that they wait until the age of 53.
“All the constables who are above 50 years will be promoted on merit automatically,” Murkomen said. “Wasonge kwa merit.”
The reforms also target corporals and sergeants who have held the same rank for more than 15 years, as well as inspectors who have remained in their position for over a decade. These officers will be considered for promotion without having to go through the traditional interview process.
Instead of interviews, promoted officers will be required to undergo mandatory training to prepare them for their new roles. Murkomen emphasised that capacity building would be a key pillar of the new system.
“I like the proposal said here — you will all be promoted on merit, lakini muende course ndiyo mupate capacity,” he stated. “We will ensure that all of them are trained after promotion.”
The CS also criticised the absence of a dedicated training budget within the police service, terming it a major gap in the development of the force. He pledged to reverse the situation, promising a new training framework starting with Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs) and commanders of specialised units.
“If there’s one public service department without a budget for training, it’s the police. We’ve said that must change,” Murkomen asserted.
The announcement is expected to impact hundreds of officers across the country who have faced career stagnation, with the reforms seen as a major morale booster.
Murkomen said the measures form part of broader police reforms designed to improve efficiency, professionalism, and job satisfaction, ultimately enhancing service delivery to the public.
“This is about rewarding dedication and ensuring our officers feel valued,” he said. “When morale is high, performance follows.”
