Kenya NPS: Probes Fake Certificate Police Recruitment Claims

• The National Police Service (NPS) is investigating a video where a nominated politician claimed a supporter used a fake certificate to join the police.
• The NPS condemned the politician's statements as regrettable and unacceptable, noting similar past cases of document irregularities led to recruit expulsions.
• The Service affirmed its strict verification procedures, assuring the public that fraudulent attempts to join the police force will not succeed.
• The NPS cited Article 245(4)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya and a recent Court of Appeal decision (Civil Appeal Nos. E971 and E957 of 2025) as legal backing for its rigorous recruitment standards.
• The statement, issued on October 24, 2026, by Muchiri Nyaga, reaffirms the NPS's commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency in all recruitment processes.

The National Police Service has firmly reiterated its dedication to rigorous verification procedures during recruitment, stressing that all candidates must meet stringent requirements.

The National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya has initiated an investigation into a video circulating online that features a prominent nominated politician. In the footage, the politician, who is also an advocate of the High Court, alleges knowledge of a supporter who purportedly used a fraudulent certificate to gain entry into the police force as a constable. The NPS has publicly denounced these statements, labeling them as both regrettable and unacceptable, particularly coming from a lawmaker with a legal background.

This specific claim is reportedly one of several instances of suspected document irregularities that have surfaced at a police training college, leading to the dismissal of the recruits involved. While the NPS confirmed these broader issues and its investigation into the politician's claims, its official statement did not reveal the identity of either the politician or the individual she mentioned in the video. The Service underscored its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in its recruitment processes.

The National Police Service has firmly reiterated its dedication to rigorous verification procedures during recruitment, stressing that all candidates must meet stringent requirements. The Service provided assurances to the public that any attempts to secure employment through forged or falsified documents would be unsuccessful due to its robust verification protocols. This commitment aligns with the NPS's broader mandate to ensure recruitment is conducted with integrity, accountability, and transparency.

In its official communication, the NPS specifically referenced Article 245(4)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya. This constitutional provision is crucial as it safeguards the independent command and control functions of the Inspector-General over the National Police Service. Furthermore, the NPS highlighted that its current stance is consistent with the constitutional framework recently affirmed by the Court of Appeal in its decision on Civil Appeal Nos. E971 and E957 of 2025. This legal backing reinforces the Service's position on maintaining strict adherence to established procedures for the recruitment and vetting of police officers.

The NPS statement, issued from its headquarters and signed by Director of Corporate Communication Muchiri Nyaga on October 24, 2026, arrives amidst heightened public scrutiny concerning the integrity of police recruitment processes. Reports of recruits presenting questionable documents have fueled this examination, making the Service's reaffirmation of its commitment to thoroughness, accountability, and transparency in human resource responsibilities particularly timely. The Service emphasized that it will continue to discharge its mandate, including recruitment, in full accordance with the Constitution.

This incident and the NPS's robust response underscore the critical importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions. By actively investigating such claims and reinforcing its stringent verification mechanisms, the National Police Service aims to deter future fraudulent attempts and uphold the professional standards expected of its personnel. The Service's resolve to ensure that only qualified and vetted individuals join its ranks is paramount for the effectiveness and credibility of Kenya's police force.

Lawyers advising on public sector employment, administrative law, or fraud investigations in Kenya should note the National Police Service's reinforced commitment to rigorous recruitment verification, backed by specific constitutional provisions (Article 245(4)(c)) and recent Court of Appeal decisions. This signals a heightened enforcement environment for document integrity in public service recruitment.

Source: Facts reported by Kenyan media.