Stakeholders in Mombasa have expressed mixed reactions over the ongoing public participation exercise by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) on the Draft Recruitment and Appointment Regulations, 2025.
The proposed regulations aim to streamline the framework for recruiting members of the Service, promote transparency, and ensure a merit-based selection process.
Speaking during the forum at Tononoka Social Hall, Coast Civil Network Societies Chairperson Zedekiah Adika said the commission had not provided members of the public with the guiding document on the proposed regulations, making it difficult for them to give informed views.
“We were invited through a public advert and checked the website for the guiding document, but there was none. For this process to be meaningful, the commission should provide the document so that people can make well-informed submissions,” said Adika.
He noted that past police recruitment exercises have been marred by corruption and the enlistment of unsuitable candidates, adding that the process is critical to ensuring a competent police service in the future.
The commission was urged to extend the submission deadline to allow stakeholders to present views virtually or through email.
“If they fail to take our recommendations into account, we will have no choice but to seek legal redress,” he warned.
Haki Yetu Organisation Director Peter Kiama also criticised the process, saying the lack of access to the draft regulations undermines the essence of public participation.
“The process of choosing police officers is a life and death matter for Kenyans. Public participation begins with sharing the document for review, which has not been done,” said Kiama.
He proposed that the NPSC retain full human resource functions for the police, including recruitment, promotions, and transfers, and called for independent observers to oversee recruitment.
He further suggested extending the recruitment period from the proposed four months to six months, as well as vetting candidates’ conduct from primary school through to adulthood.
Mwakera Mwajefa, a Mombasa resident, urged the commission to prioritise the mental well-being of recruits in addition to physical and medical fitness.
He said the recruitment process should produce officers capable of independent thinking and sound judgment.
On her part, Zuleikha Abdalla, a resident of Mombasa, called for targeted engagement with young people, citing their low turnout at the event and strained relations with the police.
Mombasa Sub-County Police Commander Nicholas Kipkemoi said the meeting was an opportunity for residents to share their views, which would be incorporated into the final regulations to improve the upcoming recruitment exercise.
By Sitati Reagan
