This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
Published on July 10, 2019, Nairobi — The Kenya Police is set to welcome over 20,000 Administration Police officers as part of a major restructuring effort announced in September 2018.
The policy framework for police restructuring aims to merge 39,680 regular police officers and 24,572 Administration Police officers into a new unit to enhance efficiency.
According to sources at the Police headquarters, some 200 Administration Police officers in Nairobi will participate in the handing over parade at the CID Training School pavilion on Friday.
The change is part of a broader effort to implement drastic police reforms launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in September 2018.
Under the reforms, the regular police and Administration Police will be merged to form the General Duty Officers, with the Administration Police officers joining their more than 30,000 Kenya Police counterparts.
"You are therefore directed to withdraw their kit minus high ankle boots, jungle belt, beret, socks, jungle trousers and any other relevant uniform accessories related to Kenya Police Service Uniform," reads a circular addressed to all regional police and formation commanders.
The AP officers will be required to surrender their old uniform upon receipt of the new ones, which will be the Persian blue uniform introduced by President Kenyatta in September 2018.
The new uniform is designed to increase the police's visibility while serving civilians and enhance accountability, in line with a United Nations recommendation.
