1,206 police officers died, 326 resigned and 289 dismissed since 2022

Some 1,206 officers from the National Police Service (NPS) have died since the last recruitment of police constables in 2022, Inspector-General Douglas Kanja told Members of Parliament on Tuesday.

Appearing before the National Assembly Internal Security Committee at Parliament buildings in Nairobi, Kanja said 326 resigned in the last three years.

Another 289 have meanwhile been dismissed during this time, while 2,563 went on mandatory retirement, 95 retired under the 12-20 years rule, and 58 others after attaining the age of 50.

At the same time, 30 have retired after being removed from office on public interest grounds and two left the service for medical reasons.

The NPS comprises the Kenya Police Service (KPS), the Administration Police (AP), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In total, 4,569 officers exited the service during this time, more than half of whom were from the KPS alone.

Kanja told parliamentarians this has dealt the force a blow in managing security operations.

“The attrition of 4,569 officers from NPS since the last recruitment exercise in 2022 has significant implications for staffing levels, operational capacity, and strategic planning within the service,” the police boss said.

He cited an imbalance in rank structure and succession, overburdened personnel, as well as challenges in emergency response, investigation, and maintaining regular patrols.