NPS Issues Clarification on New Police Uniform Procurement
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The National Police Service (NPS) has clarified the procurement process for the new Kenya Police Service General Duty police uniform after recent media reports linked Nalitex Limited to the contract.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Service said Nalitex Limited did not feature in the development, selection, procurement or manufacture of the new police uniform.
“The NPS is particularly concerned that the media reports have introduced an entity referred to as Nalitex Limited into the procurement and manufacture of the new police uniform, yet the said entity does not feature anywhere in the NPS process relating to its development, selection, procurement or manufacture,” the Service said.
Instead, the NPS identified Bedi Investments Limited as the company that received the contract to manufacture and stitch the new General Duty police uniform.
How the Police Uniform Was Selected
The NPS said the decision to change the General Duty police uniform came before the procurement process and formed part of the wider police reform programme considered by the Maraga Task Force on Police Reforms.
The task force, chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga, consulted police officers about the existing uniform.
According to the NPS, officers overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction with the existing uniform and preferred a change.
Consequently, the task force recommended reverting to the previous uniform colours. The Service maintained that the change was neither sudden nor arbitrary but followed the broader police reform process.
Following the recommendations, the Kenya Police Service Uniform Committee worked with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to develop the required standards for the new police uniform.
Furthermore, the NPS invited Kenyan textile manufacturers with previous experience supplying police uniform material to submit samples as part of efforts to promote local manufacturing under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative.
The four manufacturers invited to submit samples were:
- Bedi Investments Limited
- Rivatex East Africa Limited
- Thika Textile Mills Limited
- Sunflag Textiles & Knitwear Mills
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However, only Bedi Investments Limited and Rivatex East Africa Limited submitted samples within the stipulated period.
Following evaluation and public participation, the relevant security structures adopted and approved the sample produced by Bedi Investments Limited.
The NPS subsequently conducted the procurement in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, as well as applicable regulations and procedures.
Bedi Investments Limited was then awarded the contract to manufacture and stitch the new General Duty police uniform.
NPS Denies Nalitex Role
The Service has strongly rejected reports linking Nalitex Limited to the procurement of the police uniform.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the entity referred to in the media reports as Nalitex Limited did not participate at any stage of the procurement process; was neither awarded the contract nor engaged as a subcontractor; and has received no purchase order or payment from the NPS,” the Service stated.
The clarification comes after previous media reports identified Nalitex Limited in connection with the supply of the new police uniform.
Also Read: New Police Uniform: Officers Affected and Why They Will Start Wearing It Next Week
The NPS described the association between Nalitex and its procurement process as false and malicious. However, the Service said it welcomes legitimate media and public scrutiny of the use of public resources.
At the same time, the NPS urged the media and members of the public to base scrutiny of the police uniform procurement on complete, accurate and verifiable information.
The Service maintained that Nalitex Limited does not appear in the procurement record and had no role in the process.
The NPS reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the wider police reform programme while promoting transparency, accountability and responsible use of public resources.
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A photo of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja (right) with NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga during a past briefing on May 9, 2025. PHOTO/ NPS