President William Ruto on Friday presided over the 59th Administration Police Service pass-out parade at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Utawala, where hundreds of new recruits formally joined the ranks after months of rigorous training.
In a clear message to the newly minted officers, the President stressed that their authority does not come from rank, uniform or weapon.
“Always remember that the authority you carry does not originate from your rank, your weapon, or your uniform; it emanates from the Constitution, belongs ultimately to the people of Kenya, and is entrusted to you for one purpose: service,” he said.
Ruto reminded them that they would be deployed to some of the toughest environments securing borders, protecting critical installations, and confronting banditry, terrorism, livestock theft and organized crime.
He urged them to work closely with communities, uphold professionalism, reject corruption, respect human rights, and handle every arrest, crowd control situation or citizen interaction with discipline and accountability.
The President also highlighted ongoing police reforms, noting progress on salaries (including a 36 per cent rise at entry level), housing, training, equipment, healthcare through Usalama Cover, and new stations.
He said the true test of these reforms would be felt in ordinary Kenyans’ daily experiences with the police.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who received the President, noted that the graduating officers form part of a wider recruitment of about 10,000 police personnel across services.
He said human resources remain the backbone of the security sector and that the extra numbers will ease pressure at stations and on the ground.
Murkomen pointed to modernization efforts benefiting border units, the Special Operations Group, Rapid Deployment Unit and Anti-Stock Theft Unit.
He also confirmed the new officers will start on a gross salary of Sh60,000 and highlighted the National Government Administration Police Unit’s growing presence in more than 60 sub-counties.
On a more personal note, the CS called for greater attention to mental health among officers.
He urged juniors to speak up when struggling and asked senior commanders to handle them with more understanding, saying the service cannot afford to keep losing officers or their families to silent struggles.
The ceremony, attended by families, senior security officials and dignitaries, marked the end of intensive training and the start of active service for the new Administration Police constables.
