President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to base their criticism of the newly introduced police uniforms on facts, evidence and truth as debate continues over the changes.
Ruto said the new uniform for general-duty police officers should not be considered independently but as part of wider reforms aimed at transforming the National Police Service (NPS).
Speaking on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi, Ruto said the uniform was designed after consultations involving police officers and members of the public. He added that the design considered professional identity, operational needs and the dignity of officers.
“A uniform alone cannot transform policing, but professional identity and pride are part of building a modern, disciplined and effective Police Service,” Ruto said.
The President acknowledged the concerns raised over the new attire but maintained that the debate should be viewed against the backdrop of the broader police reform agenda being pursued by his administration.
According to Ruto, the reforms extend beyond uniforms and include improvements in officers' remuneration, welfare, housing, training, equipment, technology, infrastructure and institutional capacity.
He also said Kenyans have a legitimate right to question government decisions and expenditure associated with the reforms.
Ruto noted that the programme is being implemented in the public interest and funded through taxpayers' money, making it necessary for every aspect of the initiative to face public scrutiny.
“We welcome scrutiny of every decision and every shilling spent. Accountability is a constitutional obligation and must rest on facts, evidence and truth,” he said.
The Head of State said the ultimate measure of the reforms would be how police officers perform their duties, including responding to calls for help, enforcing the law impartially, protecting vulnerable members of society, upholding human dignity and treating all Kenyans equally before the law.
Ruto's remarks come amid growing public debate over the new uniforms, including questions about the cost of the tender and whether replacing police attire should take priority over officers' welfare and other aspects of police reform.
The uniforms have also attracted criticism from some Kenyans, who have described them as unattractive and poorly designed. Others have drawn comparisons between the sky-blue and dark-blue colours and the field uniforms worn by technicians working for Kenya Power.
