The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed a widely circulated notice claiming that all police officers aged 50 and above would be automatically promoted. The Service clarified that the notice is fake and cautioned the public against spreading misinformation.
The forged letter, falsely attributed to former NPS spokesperson Resila Onyango, suggested that officers nearing retirement should submit credentials for immediate promotion. NPS stated that such directives do not reflect official policy, and no such communication has been issued.
While the government recently announced policy adjustments lowering the automatic promotion age from 53 to 50 years for long-serving officers, the NPS emphasized that this is a structured process—not a blanket promotion. Under the policy, officers who have served in junior ranks for over 15 years and have reached 50 years of age may qualify for promotion, but only after meeting established requirements.
Promotions within the police service continue to be managed by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), which oversees all advancement based on merit, performance, qualifications, and disciplinary record.
Earlier in the year, the NPSC promoted 738 officers across various ranks following a competitive and transparent process, as well as 50 civilian staff. The move aligned with constitutional requirements for regional, ethnic, and gender balance.
By swiftly addressing the fake notice, the NPS has reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and transparency, urging officers and the public to rely only on verified information from official channels.
By Kenyans
