Maraga taskforce recommends return to old police uniform for three years
A report by the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga, has recommended that Kenya's National Police Service NPS revert to its previous uniform for a period of three years. This recommendation, submitted to President William Ruto, suggests that a consultative process to design a new uniform should be initiated during this interim period. Officers informed the Taskforce that they were not consulted before the 2018 uniform change, raising concerns about its color, quality, and fit. The National Uniforms Committee also stated that the current NPS uniform had not received its approval. Supply shortages forced some officers to purchase their own fabric and hire tailors, leading to inconsistencies that the Taskforce warned posed a security risk, making it easier for criminals to obtain police uniforms and harder for the public to identify genuine officers. The Taskforce noted that both officers and the public expressed widespread displeasure with the 2018 uniform, with officers associating the old uniform with professional pride. The Taskforce emphasized that appropriate attire enhances officer confidence and public respect, which are crucial for officers to perform their duties effectively.
