Residents of Wajir County have called on the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the recruitment and appointment of officers to the service.
Speaking during a public participation forum in Wajir, community members urged the commission to address concerns over alleged political interference and corruption in past recruitment exercises.
David Aludo, who led the NPSC team to the forum, said the public engagement was aimed at gathering views that will inform regulations governing future recruitment.
He thanked local administrators, including the County Commissioner’s Office and the County Police Commander, for mobilising residents to attend the session.
“Public participation is mandatory, and we are here to interact with residents so that when we go back, we can give a comprehensive report on the views gathered on the ground,” said Aludo.
Several speakers at the forum raised concerns over reports that recruitment slots were sometimes allocated to politically connected individuals at the expense of qualified local youth.
They also urged the commission to review academic requirements, arguing that many capable but illiterate individuals, especially members of the Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) along border areas, were excluded from formal recruitment despite their experience in securing communities.
“The people who can defend this country are often those without certificates. Educated people sometimes shy away from risky assignments, but illiterate youth take their work seriously and perform well,” said Abdirashid Sololo, a resident.
Participants further faulted the current online application process, citing limited internet access and poor dissemination of vacancy announcements in remote areas.
They proposed that recruitment notices be physically posted in public spaces and that sufficient time be given for applications.
They also called for the elimination of corruption in the recruitment process, saying only a transparent and merit-based system would restore public confidence in the National Police Service.
By Hamdi Buthul
