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By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya. 2 December 2025 -President William Ruto has announced sweeping reforms in the police and local administration structures, directing the automatic promotion of all police constables aged 50 and above who have served for years without career progression.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum on Tuesday, the President said the government must recognise the dedication of officers who have spent decades at the lowest rank, many of them nearing retirement without any financial security.
“Any constable who is 50 years old and still in the same rank must be promoted,” he said. “They have served the country faithfully. They deserve to retire with dignity and better financial footing.”
The move is part of a wider package of welfare reforms aimed at improving morale within the National Police Service and the National Government Administration. Ruto also ordered that no officer should serve in the same duty station for more than three years, saying overstaying in one area has contributed to inefficiency, burnout and strained family life.
At the same time, the President directed Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to establish a new National Government Administrative Police Unit. The first group of 1,860 officers will be deployed to work directly with chiefs at community level, with a key mandate of helping curb alcoholism and improving day-to-day security.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described the new unit as a “timely boost” that reflects the government’s commitment to the feedback gathered from citizens through Jukwaa la Usalama forums.
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In addition, all chiefs and assistant chiefs who have completed their mandatory training at Embakasi B Campus will be promoted by one rank, with the promotions taking effect from June 2026 after budget allocation.
Village elders — long regarded as the backbone of grassroots administration — will now receive a monthly stipend of KSh3,500, marking the first time their work has been formally compensated.
The President also introduced reforms designed to protect officers’ welfare, including a new transfer policy. No officer will be moved before serving at least one year in a station, and officers aged 50 and above will gradually be posted closer to their home counties as they approach retirement.
“These reforms are about fairness and respect for those who keep our communities safe,” Ruto said.
