Police yet to induct APS officers into KPS after restructuring, EACC report shows

The National Police Service has yet to fully induct most Administration Police Service (APS) officers into the Kenya Police Service following the 2019 restructuring, according to a new report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

The report indicates that while 24,572 APS officers were integrated with KPS General Duty Police, records from the NPS College in Kiganjo show that fewer than 10 per cent have undergone the standardisation course required for induction into the KPS.

According to the EACC, the limited induction has slowed integration efforts, affected operational cohesion, and increased the risk of inconsistent work practices.

The Commission recommends that all integrated officers receive proper training and onboarding to enhance unity and effectiveness within the service.

The report, presented to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, also highlights staffing shortages at the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU).

The unit has 74 staff members against an approved establishment of 1,168, a shortfall that the Commission says has limited its capacity to effectively handle complaints against police officers.

It further proposes that officers assigned to the IAU be protected from arbitrary transfers to ensure institutional stability, and suggests that direct recruitment or permanent placement within the Unit be considered.

On recruitment, the report cites weaknesses in compliance with established procedures, noting that manual processes in some stages create opportunities for irregularities.

It references previous observations by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) regarding challenges such as alleged bribery, unclear criteria in job advertisements, and absence of complaint desks at some recruitment centres.

To address these issues, the EACC recommends automation of recruitment processes and strict adherence to Regulation 12 of the National Police Service Commission (Recruitment and Appointment) Regulations, 2015, to promote transparency and uniformity.

The report also raises concerns about transfers and deployments, stating that some were conducted without the approval of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) as required under Article 246(3) of the Constitution.

This, it says, has resulted in staffing imbalances across regions.

EACC calls for full compliance with the NPSC (Transfer and Deployment) Regulations, 2015, ensuring that transfers are justified, fair, and properly facilitated for affected officers and their families.

It also recommends separating deployment decisions from disciplinary measures and offering counselling to officers returning from special assignments.

The report further identifies gaps such as the absence of a comprehensive staff establishment for uniformed officers, inconsistencies in allowance payments, delays in disciplinary processes, and lack of standard criteria for promotions.

It urges the development of a framework covering recruitment, promotions, and deployment, as well as timely and fair resolution of disciplinary matters.

On training, the Commission points to inadequate facilities, outdated curricula, and a shortage of qualified instructors in police colleges.

It proposes upgrading infrastructure, increasing the number of trainers, establishing a Service Examination Board, and periodically reviewing training programmes.

The report also notes inconsistencies in the supply and issuance of police uniforms, with some officers reportedly receiving them infrequently or sourcing them from vendors. It cautions that inadequate control over production and distribution could lead to impersonation and security risks.

EACC recommends a transparent, standardised, and well-regulated system for uniform issuance and supply.

The Report of the Examination into the Systems, Policies, Procedures and Practices of Work of the National Police Service was presented by EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the National Police Leadership Academy.