Police officers will start wearing the new uniforms from next week after President William Ruto unveils the attire during the passing-out parade at the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that the new uniform will first be worn by the more than 6,000 police constables graduating from the college.
Kanja said the move follows recommendations from a 2023 public participation exercise in which police officers expressed dissatisfaction with the current deep navy blue uniform.
“We have been using the blue, the deep blue one, so we have just reverted back to the one that was agreed upon,” Kanja said.
He added that he would also wear the new uniform from Monday as the National Police Service begins the transition.
The new attire will initially be introduced among general duty officers in the Kenya Police Service. Officers in the Administration Police Service and the General Service Unit will retain their current uniforms.
Kanja said the new uniform would be introduced gradually across the general duty units and was expected to improve officers’ morale and service delivery.
“In the next few weeks, we should see the new uniform that was approved sometimes back and I think this is also going to be a force multiplier,” he said.
The Inspector General spoke on Tuesday, August 25, while inspecting preparations for Friday’s passing out parade at Kiganjo.
He also cautioned the graduating officers against engaging in criminal activities or acting on instructions from individuals as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The changes to the police uniform come as the National Police Service moves to implement recommendations arising from the earlier public participation process.
