Most youths opting for Administration Police jobs as recruitment starts, officials say

Mr Ronald Musengi (centre) of the National Police Service Commission addresses journalists at Ruring’u Stadium in Nyeri on March 4, 2016 during the police recruitment exercise. He is flanked by the county AP Commander Njue Njagi (left) and Regional Police Coordinator Larry Kieng. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Commissioner Ronald Musengi said that the trend had been attributed to differences in training methods for the various departments in the police service.
  • Mr Musengi also cautioned against bribery during the nationwide exercise that is being conducted at constituency levels.
  • The recruitment that seeks to draw 10,000 new police officers.
  • Central Kenya will produce 1,100 new police recruits at the end of the exercise.

Most youths are opting to join the Administration Police department in the ongoing recruitment exercise, National Police Service Commission (NPSC) officials have said.

Speaking in Nyeri on Monday, Commissioner Ronald Musengi said the trend had been attributed to differences in training methods for the various departments in the police service.

“We have observed that more applicants are choosing [to join] the AP [department] compared to the other departments,” said Mr Musengi.

A number of applicants who spoke to the Nation said they opted to join the Administration Police because it offers more vigorous and diverse training compared to the regular police.

This view is backed by the sophisticated drills that are showcased by the AP officers during their pass-out parades that many have taken a liking for.

FEW WANT TO JOIN GSU

Very few people, however, choose to join the General Service Unit (GSU) due to what has been called a lack of sensitization on the unit’s line of work.

Police officials, nevertheless, noted that a number of recruits will be transferred to other units during the course of their training programme.

Mr Musengi also cautioned against bribery during the nationwide exercise that is being conducted at constituency levels, saying that more strict measures have been put in place to ensure transparency.

“Anyone who has given out money for recruitment favours should know that that is money going down the drain because no favours will be considered,” said the commissioner.

The exercise was conducted under the observation of the NPSC, top police officers, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights in efforts to curb cases of bribery that have been witnessed in the past.

The hiring of 10,000 new police officers is part of the government’s efforts to attain the global standard ratio of one officer for every 400 civilians.

Central Kenya will produce 1,100 new police recruits at the end of the exercise.