High Court Halts Recruitment of 10,000 Police Constables in Kenya

A Nairobi court has temporarily suspended a major police recruitment exercise that was set to bring 10,000 new constables into Kenya’s National Police Service, leaving thousands of aspiring officers uncertain about their future.

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The High Court order, delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, came after civil society activist Eliud Matindi filed a legal challenge questioning whether proper procedures were followed in launching the hiring initiative. Matindi’s petition raises concerns about potential breaches of established recruitment regulations.

The recruitment drive had been scheduled to commence on November 17, following an announcement by Inspector General Douglas Kanja. However, the process has become entangled in disagreements between the National Police Service and the National Police Service Commission over jurisdictional authority.

The court has scheduled the matter for further review on January 22, 2026, meaning job seekers who had prepared to join the force will face an extended wait before learning whether the recruitment will proceed. The suspension affects one of the largest police hiring exercises in recent years, at a time when security agencies across the country are working to strengthen their capacity.

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