NAIROBI, Kenya Sep 4 – President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s new police uniforms amid criticism over the design, saying the change is part of a wider plan to transform the National Police Service.

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking during the 59th Passing-Out Parade for Administration Police recruits at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi, Ruto said the new uniforms should not be viewed as an isolated project.

“The new uniforms for general duty officers that we unveiled last week must be understood within this broader reform program,” Ruto said.

“It is not a standalone intervention, but part of the comprehensive transformation of the National Police Service arising from the reform process.”

📌 What You Need to Know

The President said the uniforms were developed after consultations with police officers and members of the public.

According to Ruto, the new design was meant to improve the professional identity of officers while also considering their operational needs and dignity.

“The uniform itself emerged from consultation with police officers and with the Kenyan public,” he said.

He acknowledged that a uniform by itself could not change the police service, but argued that it plays a role in building a more professional force.

“A uniform alone cannot transform policing, but professional identity and pride are part of building a modern, disciplined, and effective police service,” Ruto said.

The President also appeared to welcome scrutiny of the wider police reform programme, saying public resources must be properly accounted for.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya