The much-anticipated national police recruitment exercise, which was set to begin on Thursday, October 3, 2025, was postponed until further notice following a court order issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, the National Police Service (NPS) announced the postponement in compliance with the ruling in Petition No. E196 of 2025, filed by former MP Harun Mwau.
The case lists the Inspector General of Police, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), and two other parties as respondents.
“In accordance with the Order of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, issued on 2nd October 2025, the police recruitment exercise scheduled to commence on 3rd October 2025 has been postponed until further notice,” the NPS said in a statement.
While the specific grounds of the petition remain undisclosed, the court’s directive effectively halts the nationwide recruitment drive, which had been expected to attract thousands of applicants.
The NPS and the NPSC have indicated that they are exploring legal avenues to resolve the matter promptly and resume the recruitment process.
“The National Police Service, in conjunction with the National Police Service Commission, is actively pursuing appropriate legal remedies to ensure the recruitment exercise can resume at the earliest opportunity,” the statement added.
The police service further reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and respect for judicial processes.
“As a Service, we remain committed to upholding the rule of law and complying with court orders.”
This is the latest twist in a recruitment process that has already attracted scrutiny from various quarters, including civil society and political leaders, who have raised concerns about transparency, regional balance, and funding.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa, came in response to a petition filed by politician John Harun Mwau against the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
According to the court documents, an interim conservatory order was issued, staying the entire recruitment process until the petition is fully resolved.
“Interim conservatory order is hereby issued, staying the entire recruitment pending resolution of the Petition,” the court stated in its ruling.
The order directs the IG and NPSC to file their response within seven days, while the petitioner is allowed the same period to file further affidavits and submissions.
The court also scheduled the next mention on October 21, 2025, to confirm compliance and address highlighted submissions.
The orders mean the recruitment process will remain frozen until the court makes a final determination on the petition.
It came after police authorities had finished plans for the exercise that was to start on October 3 to 9, 2025.
It was targeting Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 28 years with a minimum academic qualification of a D+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
The announcement came after weeks of tension between the NPSC and the NPS over the recruitment process.
The commission had earlier pushed for a new model requiring interested applicants to apply and be shortlisted before attending the physical vetting exercise.
However, the proposal was dropped, allowing all applicants to present themselves on the recruitment day with duly filled forms.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said he was aware of the court orders suspending the recruitment exercise but is confident that the issue will be resolved.
