The Kenya Police Service has changed its uniform yet again, with the latest makeover reportedly estimated to cost Sh2.8 billion for full regular and ceremonial kits.
At a time when the country is struggling with competing demands for scarce public resources, this raises a simple question: was the change really necessary?
There is nothing wrong with a smart, functional uniform. But uniforms do not fight corruption, restore public trust or make policing more professional. It is the wearer who delivers.
For millions of Kenyans, the more urgent concern is not whether police officers are dressed in blue, green or any other colour. It is whether they will treat citizens with dignity, respect the law and protect lives without excessive force.
Complaints about police corruption, brutality, arbitrary arrests and abuse of power remain widespread. These are the issues that should command the government’s attention—and billions of shillings.
More importantly, a committee chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga has already presented its recommendations on police reforms to President William Ruto. The report should not gather dust while the government spends billions changing uniforms.
Imagine what Sh2.8 billion could achieve in implementing reforms: better training, modern investigative equipment, improved welfare, stronger accountability and technology to fight crime and corruption.
The government must explain the justification, procurement process and value for money behind this overhaul.
A new uniform may change the appearance of the police. It will not change policing.
The priority should be reforming the institution, not repainting it.
Quote of the Day: "The people cannot delegate to government the power to do anything which would be unlawful for them to do themselves." —English empiricist philosopher, influential Enlightenment thinker and "Father of Liberalism" John Locke was born on August 29, 1632
