IG Kanja Dons New Police Uniform to Work

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, on Monday, August 31, reported to work wearing the new police uniform.  

In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said the new uniform represents more than an aesthetic change, noting that it is intended to motivate officers and boost morale. 

The service also said the new police uniform projects a more professional image of the service.

“The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja, MGH, CBS, OGW, today donned the newly introduced Service uniform, underscoring the Service’s ongoing dedication to reforms, professionalism and excellence in policing.

“More than a mere aesthetic change, the new uniform serves to motivate officers, boost morale, project a professional image, and enhance public visibility as they continue to fulfil their mandate of serving and protecting Kenyan citizens, residents, and visitors alike,” NPS stated. 

The new uniform was unveiled by President William Ruto on Friday, August 28, during a pass-out parade in Kiganjo, Nyeri County. 

Under the new design, general service officers will wear sky-blue shirts paired with dark blue trousers and berets, alongside a new dress design for expectant female officers. 

Speaking on Tuesday last week, IG Kanja explained that the rollout of new uniforms follows the rejection of the current navy-blue uniforms by police officers during a public participation exercise.  

“We have been using the deep blue uniform, but we are reverting to the one that was agreed upon. I must note that on Monday I must also wear the new uniform,” Kanja stated. 

The Police IG also said the new uniform will be reintroduced to all general duty officers in the next few weeks. 

“In the next few weeks, we should be seeing the new uniform that was approved sometimes back, and I think this is also going to be a force multiplier,” Kanja added. 

On Sunday, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga dismissed reports alleging that the company supplying the new uniform is linked to President Ruto. 

Nyaga said the entity named in several of the reports, Nalitex Limited, has no connection to the process.

"We are particularly concerned that the media reports have introduced an entity referred to as Nalitex Limited into the procurement and manufacture of the new police uniform, yet the said entity does not feature anywhere in the NPS process relating to its development, selection, procurement or manufacture," he said. 

The NPS Spokesperson noted that M/s Bedi’s design was approved and the company was awarded the contract to produce the new police uniforms under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.  

"For clarity, the new police uniforms are being manufactured by M/s Bedi Investments Limited, which was lawfully awarded the contract by the National Police Service," he added.