Kisumu: The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) will hire 10,000 police constables through a new online recruitment system in a move aimed at dismantling a long history of corruption, nepotism, and irregularities that have dogged the hiring of police officers.
According to Kenya News Agency, NPSC Commissioner, Prof Collette Suda, confirmed the digital shift will drastically reduce human contact in the process - a step she insists will choke off avenues for bribery, favouritism, and manipulation that have previously tainted police recruitment. 'It is true there has been public outcry of irregularities during police recruitment,' Prof Suda told a public participation forum in Kisumu. 'Leveraging technology will significantly reduce malpractices and give young Kenyans a fair chance to serve in the National Police Service.'
The reforms come against a backdrop of public outcry over recruitment scandals, with past reports citing bribery demands, replacement of successful candidates with politically connected individuals, and regional favouritism. In some cases, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has investigated allegations of cash-for-job deals running into tens of thousands of shillings per recruit.
Prof Suda said the Commission is seeking public approval of regulations that will anchor the new process before the recruitment drive begins. The Kisumu session drew participants from Busia, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya counties. 'This participatory process is a constitutional imperative. We appreciate the interest and input from Kenyans, which will enrich the document before we proceed with recruitment,' she said.
Unlike previous one-day exercises that often saw chaotic scenes and allegations of irregularities, Prof Suda said the new system will be spread out, giving applicants more time to prepare and ensuring equal opportunity across all regions. The online application and shortlisting, she added, will not only boost transparency but also help rebuild public trust in a recruitment process that has for years been seen as a breeding ground for graft.
She added that the government has put stringent measures to ensure that all eligible Kenyans apply for the jobs which will be advertised soon. 'We are going to make sure that all regions of this country have an equal chance of participating in the online application and shortlisting. We are fully aware of some of the challenges with internet coverage, but they are being addressed,' she said.