The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has announced the dates for this year's recruitment exercise that seeks to enrol 10,000 Kenyans into the National Police Service (NPS).

The exercise will kick off from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on October 3 and run until October 9 in designated locations across the country, according to a notice published in the dailies on Friday, September 19.

"Pursuant to the Constitution of Kenya, Articles 260(3), 246(4), 243, 236 (d)10, of the National Police Service Commission Act, Cap 85 and the National Police Service Act. Cap B4, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) seeks to recruit stably qualified persons to be trained as Police Constables," the notice read in part.

Applicants are required to be between the ages of 18 and 28, Kenyan citizens, and have a Kenyan National Identity (ID) card.

Additionally, they must have obtained a minimum grade of D+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum of D in Kiswahili and English, must also be physically fit and must have a minimum height of 5 feet and 8 inches for males and 5 feet, 3 inches for females.

"Similarly, an individual seeking to apply for the position must not have a criminal record or any pending criminal charges against them. The National Youth Service (NYS) graduates who meet the minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply," NPSC added.

Furthermore, the commission has warned that female candidates must not be pregnant at the recruitment and entry phase.

Interested and qualified applicants were directed to download and fill out the application form available on the following websites: npsc.go.ke, dci.ke, administrationpolice.go.ke, kenyapolice.go.ke, nationalpolice.go.ke and mygov.go.ke.

At the same time, those who want the physical application forms were directed to obtain the forms from the nearest Huduma Centres.

While presenting themselves at the designated recruitment centres within the respective constituencies, the applicants must show up with original and copies of their academic certificates and testimonials, Kenyan National Identity Card, Birth Certificate, and the NYS discharge certificate, where applicable, with a minimum rating of 'GOOD' in conduct.

All original documents would be returned to the applicant before leaving the recruitment centre.

The commission strongly warns that corruption attempts, such as bribery, would not be tolerated and that stern action would be taken against such individuals.

Additionally, anyone who provides the commission with false or misleading information would be committing an offence and could face a fine of up to Ksh200,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.

"The public is urged to report any incidences of recruitment malpractices to the nearest Police Station or call 0709090000, 999, 911,112 or 0800722203," said the commission.

Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who also serves as a Commissioner of the NPSC, said the recruitment comes at a critical time when the Service is grappling with attrition and reduced personnel numbers.

"This initiative could not have come at a more critical time. With natural attrition and other factors affecting the Service's capacity, the recruitment of 10,000 new constables is both timely and necessary," said Kanja.

Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the upcoming recruitment exercise, saying it will significantly enhance the service’s capacity to respond to security challenges.

“This is the first recruitment under this administration since 2021. We are going to enhance our strength in the next nine months when the recruits will have left the training,” the CS said.

The new recruitment, he said, will strengthen the NPS’s presence nationwide, fill critical gaps in staffing, and enhance the service’s ability to respond to crime and protect communities effectively.