President William Ruto has highlighted his government’s investment in the police service, even as the National Police Service continues to face criticism over corruption, extortion, killings and alleged human rights abuses.
Ruto used the 59th Passing-Out Parade for Administration Police recruits at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi, to outline his administration’s record on police recruitment, pay, training and equipment.
He said his government had built 252 police stations, recruited and trained 10,000 officers and provided additional professional training to more than 31,000 serving officers since 2022.
Ruto also said a three-phase salary review had increased the entry-level basic salary of a police constable by 36 per cent.
“We are implementing comprehensive reforms to ensure our officers receive the support and tools they require as we build a professional, properly equipped, technologically capable and accountable National Police Service,” he said.
But the President's message on police reforms comes against a record of complaints about misconduct within the service.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it received and documented 2,360 complaints against police officers between July and December 2025. During the same period, the authority completed 763 investigations and forwarded 63 case files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for action.
Human rights organisations have also continued to raise concerns over killings, abductions, torture and arbitrary arrests involving security agencies.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights documented 57 violations of the right to life between December 2024 and December 2025, including the killing of Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The commission called on IPOA to expedite investigations into enforced disappearances, torture and deaths in custody and recommend charges against officers accused of extrajudicial killings.
Ojwang's death became one of the most damaging episodes for the police service in 2025. He died in custody at Nairobi Central Police Station after being arrested over a social media post. KNCHR criticised the police for issuing an explanation for his death before independent forensic investigations had been completed.
The concerns extend beyond Nairobi.
During Operation Ondoa Jangili in Isiolo and Marsabit in early 2025, KNCHR reported allegations of unlawful detention, torture, abductions, enforced disappearances and the fatal shooting of a civilian. The commission said seven men had allegedly been abducted during the operation, with one still missing at the time of its report.
Police conduct during protests has also remained a major political issue.
Human Rights Watch reported that security forces were accused of killings, abductions and arbitrary arrests during protests in 2024 and 2025. It said authorities had failed to investigate or prosecute officers in most cases involving excessive or lethal force during protests.
Corruption and extortion have added another problem for the service, with complaints ranging from demands for bribes during routine policing to allegations of abuse of police powers.
The accusations have complicated the government's argument that increased spending and better welfare will automatically produce a more professional police service.
Ruto, however, told the new recruits that better resources must come with greater responsibility.
“Exercise the authority entrusted to you strictly in the service of the public,” he said.
He urged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, transparency, accountability and respect for human rights.
The President said the reforms also include expansion of police housing, improved healthcare through the Usalama Cover, better mobility, protective equipment and specialised operational assets.
He cited the completion of the National Police Service Referral Hospital at Mbagathi and the construction of the Forensic Laboratory, which is being equipped.
The political question for Ruto is whether these investments will translate into a police service that Kenyans see as more accountable and less prone to corruption and abuse.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, policing is likely to remain a politically sensitive issue. The government can point to new stations, recruits, training and higher salaries, while critics are likely to focus on unresolved cases involving deaths, disappearances, torture, corruption and excessive use of force.
At Embakasi, Ruto put the government's investment in the police on record. He also placed the responsibility for changing the conduct of officers on the recruits joining the service.
“Kenyans have entrusted you with the cardinal responsibility of preserving peace and enforcing the law and protecting the rights, lives and dignity of every citizen,” he said.
