A senior police officer based in Nyahururu has ignited a firestorm of controversy after suggesting that the number of women recruited into the police force should be drastically reduced.

The officer, a former instructor at Kiganjo Police Training College, made the remarks during a ‘Jukwaa la Usalama’ meeting, urging Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to consider limiting female intake to just 20%.

The officer justified his contentious proposal by claiming it is increasingly difficult to deploy female officers to volatile areas, stating that some struggle to cope with high-pressure situations.

He recounted a specific incident during the July 2025 protests where he was forced to exclusively deploy male officers, leaving the female ones at the station.

This, he argued, led to the male officers being overwhelmed with double the workload.

“Kama wakati wa 25th maandamano mimi nilituma wanaume pekee wasichana wote niliwaambia wakae station, hivyo inakuwa kazi nyingi. Wakati mwingine unapata wengine hata wanatapika,” he stated, implying the physical and emotional toll on some female officers.

According to the senior officer, a greater number of male officers is more beneficial for the service. “Afadhali uwe na polisi wanaume wengi kuliko wasichana; saa zingine unapata station iko na wasichana kumi na wavulana watano, utafanya nini?” he questioned, highlighting what he perceives as a staffing imbalance issue.

This controversial proposal comes at a time when Kenya has been making deliberate and concerted efforts to enhance gender inclusivity within its security services.

In recent years, the government has championed policies aimed at increasing female representation, leading to women now occupying senior and influential positions that were historically dominated by men.

The officer’s remarks are likely to be met with a strong backlash from gender rights advocates and those committed to promoting equality in the police force.