This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
On December 20, 2019, Kenya's Deputy Inspector-General of Police Edward Mbugua issued a directive to female police officers to conform to the police dress code.
According to the circular, female officers were given until January 1, 2020, to get rid of overdone flashy hairstyles, which Mbugua deemed a violation of the police dress code.
Exaggerated weaves, styles, and over-colored hairdos were cited as specific examples of hairstyles that would no longer be accepted, as they made it difficult for officers to wear peaked caps or berets.
The circular also reminded Muslim police officers that a thin black scarf is an acceptable dress code, and directed them to abandon colored hijabs.
Regional commanders were instructed to ensure strict adherence to the dress code.
