Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has sounded the alarm over the dwindling number of police officers in the country, calling for an urgent allocation of Ksh 6.3 billion to facilitate a nationwide recruitment drive, which has stalled for three years.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Kanja revealed that more than 4,569 officers have exited the service since the last recruitment in 2022, leaving the police-to-citizen ratio at a worrying 1:509—well below the UN recommended standard of 1:450.

“We haven’t done any recruitment for the last three years. Our numbers have really gone down due to various causes,” IG Kanja told the committee. “It’s necessary that we increase the force before the 2027 General Election. Our target is to recruit no less than 10,000 officers.”

He emphasized that the recruitment, proposed for June, will be merit-based and inclusive, factoring in gender equity and regional representation. “We want a fair and inclusive process. This time, even the newly gazetted sub-counties will take part to ensure no region is left behind,” he stated.

Kanja further defended the move to digitize the application process, describing it as a strategic step toward inclusivity and transparency. “We are ready to use all ministries to implement this, and online application will ensure broader reach,” he said.

The National Police Service has been allocated only Ksh 2.9 billion in the upcoming budget—less than half of the required funds. The IG pleaded with lawmakers to consider increasing the allocation, noting that timely recruitment and training are essential for national preparedness.

“With only Ksh 2.9 billion allocated, we will be operating at a deficit. Please consider this as we prepare for the 2027 elections. The security of Kenyans depends on it,” he urged.

The committee, chaired by MPs overseeing security matters, acknowledged the urgency of the matter and assured the IG that the issue would be reviewed during budget considerations.