Kenya police promote 1,948 officers after court decision
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The National Police Service in Kenya promoted 1,948 officers after the Court of Appeal ruled on the division of powers between the Inspector General and the National Police Service Commission.
The ruling affirmed the Inspector General’s authority over decisions about uniformed police officers, including promotions, assignments, and dismissals.
This decision stemmed from a dispute initiated in September 2025 when former MP John Harun Mwau challenged the National Police Service Commission’s recruitment regulations, arguing the Inspector General should oversee uniformed officer recruitment. The Employment and Labour Relations Court initially sided with Mwau, and the Court of Appeal later upheld that ruling after appeals from the commission and the Law Society of Kenya.
Prior to the ruling, interim court orders in February 2026 had paused certain powers related to police promotions and dismissals. Inspector General Douglas Kanja formally approved the promotions for officers who had completed the necessary courses and met all requirements. He congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to maintain professionalism and integrity in their new roles, emphasizing increased responsibility and adherence to the law.
The NPS stated that these promotions would improve operations and build public trust as part of ongoing reforms.
