EXPLAINER: How Police Recruitment Will Be Done in the Proposed Model

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has proposed new regulations that will be used during the recruitment of police officers.

In this article, Money254 breaks down the regulations that cover the recruitment process, shortlisting of candidates, and the issuance of recruitment letters to successful candidates.

The new regulations also apply to those seeking to join the service as police constables, police specialists, and civilian staff.

General Entry Requirements

To qualify for recruitment one has to be a;

(a) Kenyan citizen.

(b) Have a National ID.

(c) Attain the minimum academic qualifications as may be prescribed by the Commission.

(d) 18 to 28 years in the case of constables, and 18 to 30 years in the case of cadets.

(e) Physically and medically fit.

(f) Have no criminal record.

"The Commission may pursuant to affirmative action, allow the recruitment of a person who does not meet the minimum academic qualifications specified under paragraph, provided that a record of the decision and reason thereof is maintained by the Commission.

"In addition to meeting the requirements for recruitment, a candidate shall be subjected to and must pass such interviews, assessments, examinations, and wetting processes, as may be determined by the Commission."

‍Recruitment Process

The Commission is proposing to undertake the recruitment of officers in 3 phases.

Phase 1:This shall involve the submission of applications, shortlisting of candidates by the Commission through the recruitment system, and notification of the shortlisted candidates.

Phase 2: This will take place at designated recruitment centers and includes verification of documents, physical assessment of candidates, and issuance of admission letters.

Phase 3: The process will include medical assessment of candidates and the commencement of training.

Application

The applications will be done online through a system that is announced by the commission. Applicants who fail to provide the information requirements by the Commission will not be shortlisted.

"Upon the closure of the application period, the Commission shall prepare a shortlist of qualified candidates taking into account the principles of affirmative action and the minimum requirements set out in the advertisement," read the proposed regulations in part.

"Subject to the number of applications received, the Commission shall ensure that the number of candidates shortlisted is at least three times the number of vacancies available at each recruitment centre."

Applicants who have been shortlisted will be informed via email or phone to report to the recruitment centers.

At the recruitment centers, selected panels will verify documents presented by candidates. Afterwards, there shall be a physical examination of the applicants in addition to tests such as running.

In the selection of the successful applicants, the recruitment panel will consider the aggregated score sheet generated through the recruitment system; the allocation criteria determined by the Commission, and equity in the distribution of opportunities among administrative units within the locality.

Issuance of Admission Letters

"The chairperson of a recruitment panel shall generate and issue letters of admission to candidates who have successfully met the prescribed recruitment requirements," the Commission proposed.

"A letter of admission shall contain: the full name of the candidate; the candidate's national identity card number; the reporting date and name of the designated training college."

Medical Assessment

After the successful applicants report to the designated training institutions, they will undergo medical assessment.

Notably, a candidate admitted to a police training college can be disqualified if they fail to meet the prescribed physical and medical fitness standards.

Disqualification at this stage can also be done if the applicant is found to have provided false information or submitted forged or fraudulent documents.

Applicants with a criminal record or who fail to meet the standards of integrity required in the service can also be disqualified at this stage.

"No candidate shall be disqualified under this regulation unless the candidate has been afforded an opportunity to be heard and due process has been followed," the Commission added.

Duration to Recruitment

Under the new proposal, the recruitment process will take 120 days.

According to NPSC, the recruitment process will be free with no officer expected to take money from the recruits to facilitate the process.