On Friday, 28th August 2026, President William Ruto launched dedicated maternity uniforms for expectant police officers at a pass-out parade for over 6,000 new recruits.
Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo praised the initiative. In an official statement, she called the uniforms "a milestone in H.E. President William Samoei Ruto's gender-responsive governance."
She stated the measure "reflects an important understanding that gender equality is strengthened through practical institutional measures" and aims to "recognise the dignity, needs and contributions of women in the workplace."
However, the launch triggered sharp, humorous reactions on X (formerly Twitter). Users quickly questioned the design, cost, and timing.
A major theme of the online discussion was the cost and procurement of the uniforms. Several users expressed frustration over frequent changes to police attire.
X user @J2020Lionz wrote: "Speechless, every few years new police uniforms! First world countries would go for decades if not centuries without this nonsense but for us corruption and greediness is at its highest level! This has nothing to do with the uniforms but rather a source to get easy billions from."
"This has nothing to do with the uniforms but rather a source to get easy billions from." — @J2020Lionz.
Another user, @Adul_Brian, criticised both the design and the procurement process: "Why would you dress female police officers with Maternity Dresses. This is outrightly disrespectful. Hata kama designs zimeisha, this is just ugly. @WilliamsRuto.”
Humour and Design Critiques
The aesthetics of the new uniforms also drew significant attention and light-hearted mockery.
User @yussufn joked about the design resembling healthcare outfits: "Hawa wana shindana na nurse utakuwa una shikwa una sahau unaimba night nurse."
Another observer, @FasanJ, raised concerns about operational practicality, writing: "Wastage of public money. The ladies will be running naked during riot. Huu ni upuzi!"
Meanwhile, @AhmedHu49244440 remarked: "Looks like Nigerian police attire lmao 😂😂😂😂😂". Under the same thread, @BenChicha6 added: "Maternity wear 😂."
Another user, @Phillip35499547, pointedly asked: "Is the lady in the new police uniform? Who chooses these colors? 🤦♂️🤦♂️."
Calls for Deeper Reforms
For some citizens, the uniform launch highlighted a perceived mismatch in government priorities.
User @mailuthastephen commented: "Who else is seeing police maternity wear? We needed POLICE REFORMS and not POLICE UNIFORMS."
Reflecting on past standards, @IGamahliel wrote: "Even though, we didn't like colonialism but Truth be told, there are some of their things which were extremely beautiful compared to what we now have. For example;the currency that they left in Kenya was more beautiful than whatwe've now. Even their police uniform was good etc."
Finally, @Benardgoz asked a direct question: "Are these the reforms Marsha advocated for?"
The government maintains that the uniforms support the "Women, Peace and Security agenda." However, the active online debate shows that many Kenyans remain highly sceptical.
