Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has approved the promotion of 1,948 police officers whose promotions had been pending.

The National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement on Monday, 19 October 2026, that the IG "has formally approved the promotion of 1,948 officers, whose promotions had been pending." The officers had finished the required promotional courses and met all conditions for advancement. The NPS did not give a breakdown by rank.

Kanja congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity and diligence, and to remain accountable to the public, Kenyans.co.ke reported.

Court battle cleared the way

The promotions follow a long legal fight between the IG's office and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) over control of police human resource functions.

In September 2025, the NPSC advertised police constable vacancies and published recruitment regulations. The move was challenged in court. On 30 October 2025, Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Hellen Wasilwa declared the regulations unconstitutional, barred the NPSC from recruiting uniformed officers and limited its authority over other personnel matters.

On 16 October 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed appeals by the NPSC and the Law Society of Kenya. Justices Patrick Kiage, Jamila Mohammed and Jessie Lesiit upheld the lower court's decision.

Command and independence

At the centre of the dispute are Articles 245 and 246 of the Constitution. Article 245 establishes the Inspector General's independent command of the police. Article 246 sets out the NPSC's role in recruitment, discipline and promotions. The courts have now affirmed the IG's authority over uniformed officers.

Ahead of the elections

The promotions come as the police service prepares for the 2027 General Election, when officers will be heavily deployed for security. Officers have long complained that stalled promotions hurt morale.

Photo: Kenyans.co.ke (file)