Ruto Urges New Police Officers to Uphold Integrity
Photo: Courtesy.
President William Ruto has challenged newly trained Administration Police officers to uphold integrity, respect human rights and serve Kenyans with accountability as they begin their careers in the National Police Service.
Speaking on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the 59th Passing-Out Parade for Administration Police Recruits’ Course 1/2025 at the National Police College in Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, Nairobi County, Ruto said the character of police officers remains central to the country’s security.
The President said the parade marked more than the completion of nine months of rigorous training. He described it as the point at which the recruits moved from preparation into national duty.
“From this moment, the Republic receives you into its service,” Ruto said, urging the officers to preserve peace, uphold the law and protect the rights and dignity of every citizen.
Ruto said the Administration Police Service plays an important role in Kenya’s national security structure. He noted that officers operate in areas facing difficult terrain and complex security threats.
According to the President, the service is involved in securing borders and critical installations while tackling banditry, terrorism, livestock theft, organised crime and other threats affecting communities.
He also highlighted the role of police officers in working with communities to prevent conflicts, resolve disputes and promote peaceful coexistence.
The President reminded the graduating officers that their authority comes from the Constitution and is ultimately entrusted to them by the people of Kenya.
He said officers must maintain professionalism and discipline, fight corruption, uphold transparency and accountability, respect human rights and protect public confidence.
Ruto further stressed that constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, assembly, demonstration and political participation, must be respected and protected by the police.
The President also outlined progress in the government’s police reform programme, saying the reforms were informed by recommendations of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms.
He said the government was working to build a police service that is professional, properly equipped, technologically capable and accountable to the public.
According to Ruto, the reforms cover police remuneration, welfare, housing, training, equipment, technology, infrastructure and institutional capacity.
He said the three-phase salary review had been completed, resulting in a 36 per cent increase in the entry-level basic salary of a police constable, with corresponding adjustments across the ranks. The government is also expanding police housing, strengthening healthcare through the Usalama Cover and improving police mobility and operational equipment.
Ruto said that since 2022, the National Police Service had constructed 252 police stations, recruited and trained 10,000 officers and provided further professional training to more than 31,000 serving officers.
He added that the Multi-Biometric Identification System had been operationalised, while police hire services had been made available through e-Citizen. Work is also continuing on the National Police Service Information Management System, including the Digital Occurrence Book.
The President said the National Police Service Referral Hospital at Mbagathi had been completed and that the Forensic Laboratory had been built and was being progressively equipped.
He also addressed the recently unveiled uniform for General Duty officers, describing it as part of the wider police reform programme rather than an isolated intervention.
Ruto said the uniform was developed following consultations with police officers and members of the public, taking into account professional identity, operational suitability and the dignity of officers.
He called for scrutiny of the police reform programme, saying public resources used in the process must be accounted for.
The President said accountability should be based on facts, evidence and truth, adding that scrutiny should expose wrongdoing while protecting institutions and public resources.
Ruto told the graduating officers that the success of police reforms would ultimately be judged by the experience of ordinary citizens.
He said officers would be measured by how they respond to calls for help, apply the law without favour, reject bribes, protect vulnerable people and treat all Kenyans equally.
The President urged the recruits to exercise authority with restraint and accountability and to enforce the law with humanity.
He warned that their integrity would be tested in situations where no commander was watching, urging them to rely on their oath, training and the law when making difficult decisions.
Ruto concluded by telling the new officers to serve with courage and restraint, exercise authority with accountability and enforce the law with humanity as they begin their assignments across the country.
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