NAIROBI —More than 4,500 officers have left Kenya’s police service in just three years, thinning the ranks of a force already under pressure to respond to rising security demands across the country.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja revealed the figures on Tuesday while appearing before Parliament’s Internal Security Committee. He said 1,206 officers had died since the last police recruitment in 2022. A further 326 had resigned and 289 were dismissed.
In total, 4,569 officers exited the National Police Service (NPS) since 2022 over half of them from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), the largest unit within the force.
“This attrition has significant implications for staffing levels, operational capacity, and strategic planning,” Kanja told MPs at the Parliament buildings in Nairobi.
He cited particular strain in regular patrols, emergency response, and investigations. “We are seeing an imbalance in the rank structure and an overstretched workforce,” he said.
The exits were not limited to deaths and resignations. Kanja said 2,563 officers had gone on mandatory retirement, 95 took early retirement under the 12–20 years rule, and 58 retired after reaching the age of 50.
Another 30 were removed from office on public interest grounds. Two left the force due to medical reasons.
A Strained Service
The National Police Service includes three key agencies: the KPS, the Administration Police (AP), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
With departures spanning all ranks and departments, senior officers warn that the force is becoming increasingly stretched. “Losing this number of officers without proportional recruitment puts a strain on our ability to maintain law and order effectively,” said a senior police official who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The security committee has now called on the government to prioritise recruitment and address the underlying causes of attrition. Lawmakers expressed concern that without quick action, gaps in the force could expose communities to increased crime and delayed response to emergencies.
Kanja, while acknowledging these concerns, assured MPs that discussions were underway with the National Police Service Commission and the Interior Ministry to plan a recruitment drive later this year.
“Our officers serve under immense pressure, often in challenging conditions,” he said. “We need to address welfare and morale if we are to retain more within the ranks.”
Recruitment alone may not be enough. Analysts say that long working hours, limited support, and stalled career progression are fuelling dissatisfaction within the service.
“It’s not just about numbers. We must address the culture and support systems that keep officers motivated and healthy,” said Dr Roseline Obala, a security analyst based in Nairobi.
For now, with thousands gone and others nearing retirement, the country’s top brass is faced with the urgent task of rebuilding a force that remains at the front line of Kenya’s internal security.
