NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 4 – President William Ruto has defended the Government’s decision to introduce new police uniforms, saying the change is part of a wider programme to reform and modernise the National Police Service.

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Speaking on Friday during the passing-out parade of Administration Police recruits at the National Police College in Embakasi, President Ruto said the entire police reform programme must be subjected to public scrutiny because it is funded by taxpayers.

His remarks come as the new uniform faces questions over its cost and procurement process, with critics questioning whether changing the attire should be a priority at a time when the police service continues to face concerns over accountability and allegations of abuses.

“Because this entire police reform programme is undertaken in the public interest and financed with public resources, every aspect of it must withstand scrutiny. We welcome the scrutiny of every decision and every shilling spent,” President Ruto said.

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“Accountability is a constitutional obligation and must rest on facts, evidence and the truth. We must demand answers without prejudice; question decisions without condemning people unheard and expose wrongdoing wherever it exists,” he added.

The President said scrutiny should not be interpreted as opposition to reforms, arguing that proper oversight could help strengthen public institutions.

“Honest scrutiny strengthens institutions, safeguards public resources and serves the greater public interest,” he said.

The new uniform is the latest stage of a process that began in 2023 as part of efforts to overhaul the National Police Service.

The NPS undertook public participation and sought views from police officers and members of the public on proposed designs. Four shirt designs were presented to the public as part of the process, with the option featuring a light or sky-blue shirt and navy-blue trousers eventually emerging as the new General Duty attire.

The new uniform features a light-blue shirt or blouse, deep navy-blue trousers, a jacket, T-shirt, beret, sweater, socks, belt, lanyard and raincoat. It also incorporates officers’ names and service numbers, together with the Kenya Police logo and national flag.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya