Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed plans to resolve the ongoing court case that has halted the recruitment of 10,000 new police officers, saying the government is pursuing an out-of-court settlement to unlock the impasse.

The recruitment, which was expected to begin on October 3 and conclude on October 9, 2025, across 416 centres nationwide, was indefinitely suspended following a court order.

The directive came after former legislator Harun Mwau filed an application on September 30, 2025, challenging the exercise.

Murkomen said the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) are in talks to seek a legal compromise that would allow the recruitment to resume as soon as possible.

“There is a case in court blocking the recruitment process. We will talk with the NPSC and the Inspector General to see how we can resolve that case so that recruitment can begin,” said Murkomen.

He warned that continued delays could have serious implications for national security, particularly as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.

The CS emphasized that both institutions are committed to constructive dialogue and a speedy resolution to avoid further disruption.

Also Read: Safaricom Announces 8-Hour Internet Downtime

Commission, NPS to Seek Suspension of Court Orders

The remarks came during a thanksgiving ceremony in Tana River County, hosted by the newly appointed NPSC Chairperson, Yuda Komora.

The event was also attended by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Komora announced that the NPSC and NPS will work together to request Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa to suspend the interim conservatory orders that halted the exercise.

He expressed optimism that the two bodies would soon restore the recruitment schedule.

“We will engage together and ensure we are back on our earlier schedule on the recruitment process,” Komora said.

Also Read: Kenya and Uganda Start Talks on Multinational Expressway Project

Police Welfare Remains a Priority, Says Komora

The chairperson further praised the government’s ongoing efforts to improve police welfare through the Jukwaa la Usalama security engagement forums conducted across all 47 counties.

“We must have the best interest of our policemen and women at heart through welfare,” Komora noted.

The NPSC had advertised the recruitment drive on September 19, 2025, following months of disagreement with the NPS over the recruitment modalities.

The current stalemate, however, has raised concerns about personnel shortages within the police service, which could strain law enforcement operations ahead of key national events.

File image of a Kenya Police pass-out parade. PHOTO| COURTESY