President William Ruto has urged newly trained Administration Police Service (APS) officers to exercise their authority responsibly, respect human rights and remain accountable to the public as they begin their careers.
Ruto spoke on Friday, September 4, 2026, while presiding over the 59th Administration Police Service Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi.
The ceremony marked the graduation of 5,080 new APS constables after nine months of training, formally ushering them into the National Police Service.
Ruto’s message to the new officers
Ruto congratulated the recruits for responding to what he described as a patriotic call to serve the country.
He, however, cautioned them that the authority they now hold must be exercised for the benefit of citizens.
“As you take up this important responsibility, exercise the authority entrusted to you strictly in the service of the public,” Ruto said.
The President told the officers to make professionalism and discipline central to their work while maintaining transparency and accountability.
“Uphold professionalism, discipline, transparency, accountability and respect for human rights in every aspect of your work,” he said.
Ruto’s message comes as the government faces continued scrutiny over policing, particularly the use of force, protection of civil liberties and accountability within the National Police Service.
Protect lives, rights and dignity
The President reminded the new officers that their primary responsibility is not simply to enforce the law but also to protect the people they serve.
“Kenyans have entrusted you with the cardinal responsibility of preserving peace and enforcing the law and protecting the rights, lives and dignity of every citizen,” Ruto said.
He urged the recruits to understand the weight of the responsibility that comes with joining the National Police Service.
The President said policing must remain centred on public service and the protection of citizens, rather than the exercise of authority for its own sake.
Government highlights police reforms
Ruto used the ceremony to highlight reforms his administration says are aimed at transforming the National Police Service into a more professional and better-equipped institution.
“We are implementing comprehensive reforms to ensure our officers receive the support and tools they require as we build a professional, properly equipped, technologically capable and accountable National Police Service,” he said.
According to the President, the reforms cover several areas, including officers’ remuneration and welfare, housing, training, equipment, technology, infrastructure and institutional capacity.
Ruto said the government has been investing in police infrastructure and personnel since he took office in 2022.
“Since 2022, we have built 252 police stations, recruited and trained 10,000 officers, and provided additional professional training to more than 31,000 serving officers,” he said.
New investments in police healthcare
The President also pointed to improvements in healthcare facilities for police officers.
Ruto said the National Police Service Referral Hospital at Mbagathi has been completed, while construction of a forensic laboratory has also been completed and the facility is currently being equipped.
The investments, he said, are part of broader efforts to improve the welfare and operational capacity of officers.
Police salaries raised by 36 per cent
Ruto also highlighted changes to police remuneration.
“We have also completed a three-phase salary review that raised the entry-level basic salary of a police constable by 36%,” he said.
The President said the government was also expanding police housing and strengthening healthcare through the Usalama Cover programme.
Other areas of investment include improved mobility, protective equipment and specialised operational assets.
“We are also expanding police housing, strengthening healthcare through the Usalama Cover, and improving mobility, protective equipment and specialised operational assets,” Ruto said.
Reforms come as new officers join service
The latest graduation comes as the government continues to expand and modernise the National Police Service.
The 5,080 new APS constables will strengthen the service’s personnel base as Kenya seeks to address security challenges including banditry, terrorism, border insecurity and organised crime.
For Ruto, however, the success of these reforms will ultimately depend not only on the number of officers recruited or the equipment provided, but also on how those officers use the authority entrusted to them.
His message to the new recruits was therefore clear: the uniform comes with responsibility, and policing must remain anchored in professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and service to Kenyans.
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