The government is preparing another major police uniform change, with estimates showing that clothing the existing 56,000 officers could cost more than Sh2.8 billion before accounting for thousands of new recruits joining the service.

A complete working uniform reportedly costs about Sh25,000, while ceremonial attire is estimated at roughly Sh30,000 per officer.

The proposed change comes about eight years after the last major uniform overhaul. It has triggered questions over spending priorities at a time when the National Police Service continues to face criticism over underfunding, poor welfare, corruption, brutality and inadequate equipment.