The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 held a meeting to strategize on ways to deliver a fair, transparent and credible police constable recruitment.
The two institutions pledged to collaborate closely during the nationwide exercise slated for October 03rd to 09th, 2025, pursuant to the Constitution of Kenya Articles 246(3), 246(4), 243, 238 (d),10, sections 10, 11 and 12 of the National Police Service Commission Act Cap 85 and the National Police Service Act Cap 84.
During a meeting at the IPOA headquarters, the two institutions emphasized their shared responsibility in shaping a professional and accountable Police Service.
IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan together with the Board and part of management welcomed the NPSC delegation, led by Chairperson Dr. Amani Yuda Komora, describing the conversation as a timely step for the future of policing and police reforms. “Recruitment is the very first step towards accountability in the Service,” Mr. Ahmed said. “The Authority will monitor this exercise as guided by its mandate and produce a transparent report with necessary recommendations. We will support the Commission however we can, because that is what Kenyans expect of us.”
Dr. Komora assured IPOA of the Commission’s openness and support to oversight. “As a new Board, we are determined to do things differently. We want to avoid the mistakes of the past, and working with IPOA gives us the chance to strengthen this process from the start. So we have come to reaffirm our commitment and formally welcome you to the recruitment process,” he said.
NPSC Vice Chairperson Prof. Collette Suda added that the two institutions cannot succeed in isolation. “Our mandates align in many ways. When we succeed as a Commission, IPOA also succeeds. Recruitment is demanding and challenging, but by working as a team we can deliver a process Kenyans can trust. We look forward to a very strong collaboration with you.”
A Fresh Approach to Recruitment
Breaking from tradition, this year’s recruitment will run for five days instead of one, allowing for more efficiency and close management and oversight. NPSC has announced an increase in the intake of female constables, raising the quota from 15% to 17%. Of the 10,000 recruits, 1,700 will be women. This is part of the efforts being put in adherence to the gender rule guidelines and policies.
IPOA’s Deputy Director of Inspections, Monitoring and Preventive Services, Munene Mugambi, presented a monitoring report from seven previous recruitment cycles. He highlighted recurring challenges, including last-minute venue changes, failure to observe timings, and lapses in enforcing gender balance. He noted that IPOA deploys trained monitors in the field to ensure accurate reporting and practical recommendations.
IPOA is mandated under Under Section 6(c) of IPOA Act, to independently monitor policing operations affecting members of the public in order to ensure compliance to the rule of law and policing practices. These operations include those initiated by the government, and any other day to day police operation including public order management.
Beyond Recruitment: Welfare and Recognition
The dialogue also touched on broader issues affecting police officers including mental health, promotions, welfare and capacity building. Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan urged NPSC to champion recognition of exemplary officers, announcing plans to revive IPOA’s Outstanding Police Service Awards (OPSA) to recognize and fete police officers who serve with distinction.
As Kenya prepares for the recruitment exercise, the partnership between IPOA and NPSC stands as a reminder that building a professional, accountable Police Service begins at the very first step, that is recruitment. With enhanced collaboration, both institutions signalled their commitment to ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and reflective of the values enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.