Kenyan activist Eliud Matindi has secured a court order halting the National Police Service recruitment, citing constitutional violations in the planned exercise.
The High Court in Nairobi has issued an order suspending the recruitment of 10,000 police constables by the National Police Service (NPS) following a constitutional petition filed by activist Eliud Matindi.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, sitting at the Milimani Law Courts, granted a conservatory order on Monday, November 10, effectively halting the recruitment scheduled for November 17, 2025.
Matindi’s petition challenges the legality of the process announced by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions governing public appointments. The court order restricts any further facilitation or implementation of the recruitment process until the petition is heard and determined.
Justice Mwamuye directed that all respondents be served with the petition by November 12, emphasizing strict compliance and warning of legal penalties for defiance.
The ruling has sparked nationwide debate as it comes amid confusion over the legal authority responsible for police recruitment. Recently, the Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled that the NPSC has no authority to hire officers, handing the role exclusively to the NPS.
The halted recruitment had set requirements for applicants, including a minimum KCSE grade of D+, Kenyan citizenship, and medical fitness. Thousands of young Kenyans who had planned to attend the recruitment exercise are now uncertain about the next steps as the legal proceedings continue.
