The National Police Service is preparing to introduce new uniforms for general-duty police officers, marking the first major change in police attire in eight years.
President William Ruto is expected to officially unveil the new uniforms during the passing-out parade of 6,000 police recruits at the National Police Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County.
Inspector-General Douglas Kanja confirmed that general-duty officers will begin wearing the new uniforms next week.
The officers will transition from the dark-blue uniforms introduced in 2018 to a new design featuring light-blue shirts or blouses paired with deep-navy-blue trousers.
The company contracted to supply the uniforms is Nalitex, which was registered on May 3, 2024.
Records from the Business Registration Service indicate that the company has one director and shareholder, Selpha Chesimi Temoi, who is listed as residing in Kapsokwony, Mount Elgon, Bungoma County.
Nalitex has its registered office at Hifadhi House in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
A complete working uniform is estimated to cost approximately KSh 25,000 per set. Ceremonial regalia is reportedly priced at about KSh 30,000.
Based on the reported figures, providing working uniforms to all 6,000 graduating recruits could cost around KSh 150 million.
Ceremonial regalia for the same recruits could add another KSh 180 million, bringing the total immediate expenditure to approximately KSh 330 million.
This estimate does not include boots, which are reportedly priced between KSh 2,000 and KSh 2,700 per pair.
A full working uniform includes trousers, a shirt, jacket, T-shirt, beret, sweater, socks, belt, lanyard and raincoat.
Police officers are expected to receive two sets of working uniforms each year in addition to ceremonial attire.
The National Police Service has approximately 110,000 officers. However, some specialised units, including the General Service Unit, Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit, Security of Government Buildings and Rapid Deployment Unit, will retain their existing uniforms.
The relatively recent registration of Nalitex before securing the supply contract has attracted public attention and raised questions about the procurement process.
Meanwhile, the government is also considering changes to uniforms for female police officers during pregnancy.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed the Inspector-General to ensure that appropriate uniforms are made available to pregnant officers.
The planned changes are part of broader efforts to improve the welfare, comfort and appearance of police officers while serving the public.