The National Police Service (NPS) has officially declared the start of its 2025 nationwide recruitment exercise, inviting all qualified Kenyan citizens to join the police force as Police Constables. The highly anticipated announcement, made by Inspector General Douglas Kanja Kirocho on Tuesday, has sparked excitement and interest across the country, especially among young Kenyans eager to serve their nation.
According to the NPS statement, the recruitment exercise will take place countrywide on Monday, November 17, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All interested applicants are urged to report early at their designated recruitment centers to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Court Ruling Clears the Way for NPS to Conduct the Recruitment
This announcement follows a prolonged legal tussle between the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) regarding who has the constitutional mandate to conduct police recruitment in Kenya.
Initially, the NPSC had scheduled the exercise to be held from October 3 to October 9, 2025, targeting the recruitment of 10,000 new police officers. However, on October 2, 2025, the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued a temporary order halting the process after the NPS challenged NPSC’s authority.
The legal standoff was settled on October 30, 2025, when the High Court ruled that the recruitment mandate lies solely with the National Police Service. The court further declared NPSC’s earlier advertisement unconstitutional, paving the way for NPS to proceed with the legitimate nationwide exercise.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility and Requirements
The 2025 police recruitment is open to Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 28 years who meet the required academic and physical qualifications. Applicants must be holders of a valid Kenya National Identity Card and have attained a minimum grade of D+ (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Other eligibility requirements include:
- Clean criminal record: Applicants must not have any criminal convictions or pending charges in court.
- Physical fitness: Candidates must be in good physical and mental health, as the training is highly demanding.
- Height requirements:
- Male applicants — minimum height of 1.70 meters (5 feet 8 inches)
- Female applicants — minimum height of 1.60 meters (5 feet 3 inches)
- Pregnancy condition: Female applicants should not be pregnant at the time of recruitment or during the training period.
The NPS emphasized that these criteria will be strictly enforced to ensure only qualified and capable individuals join the service.
Preference for NYS Graduates
In a show of support for Kenya’s National Youth Service (NYS), the Inspector General encouraged NYS graduates who meet the recruitment standards to apply. He stated that preference will be given to those with a minimum conduct rating of “Good” during their NYS training.
This move aims to recognize the discipline, endurance, and community service experience that NYS graduates possess—qualities that align well with the ethos of the National Police Service.
Warning Against Bribery and Corruption
Inspector General Douglas Kanja issued a strong warning against any form of bribery or corruption during the recruitment process. He reiterated that the exercise is entirely free and open to all qualified Kenyans, regardless of background or social status.
“We are committed to ensuring that this year’s recruitment process is transparent, fair, and merit-based. No one should pay any money or offer bribes in the hope of securing a position,” said Kanja.
He urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities, bribery attempts, or unqualified individuals trying to manipulate the process. The NPS has provided multiple reporting channels to ensure transparency and accountability.
Where and How to Apply
The recruitment will be conducted in all counties across Kenya at designated sub-county headquarters, police stations, and training centers. Applicants are advised to confirm their specific recruitment venues through official NPS channels, including the NPS website and verified social media pages.
On the recruitment day, applicants should carry the following original documents and clear photocopies:
- Kenya National Identity Card
- KCSE Certificate or equivalent academic credentials
- Birth Certificate
- Certificates of good conduct (if available)
- Recommendation letters (optional but encouraged)
All applications must be made in person at the recruitment centers. The NPS has not authorized any online application portals or third-party intermediaries. Candidates are therefore advised to avoid fake recruitment websites and fraudsters claiming to offer assistance.
Training and Career Prospects
Successful candidates will undergo rigorous training at National Police Training Colleges for a specified duration. During the training, recruits will learn core policing skills, public safety management, and law enforcement ethics. Upon graduation, they will be deployed across the country to serve in various police units.
A career in the National Police Service offers stability, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a direct impact in promoting peace, order, and justice within the community.
The 2025 NPS recruitment marks a fresh start in Kenya’s policing system after months of legal uncertainty. It represents a call to duty for patriotic young Kenyans ready to protect and serve their nation.
Those who meet the requirements are encouraged to prepare their documents early, uphold integrity, and turn up on November 17, 2025, at their designated centers.
