Every shilling spent on new police uniform must be accounted for, Ruto says

President William Ruto has ordered accountability for every shilling spent on the new police uniforms, saying the changes must withstand public scrutiny as part of broader reforms in the National Police Service.

Ruto said every decision made and resource spent in transforming the police service must be subjected to scrutiny.

He cautioned against making accusations without evidence.

Speaking on Friday, September 4, during the passing-out parade for Administration Police recruits in Embakasi, Nairobi, Ruto defended the new uniforms unveiled last week, describing them as one component of a wider police reform programme.

“The new uniforms for general-duty officers that we unveiled last week must be understood within this broader programme,” he said.

“It is not a stand-alone intervention, but part of the comprehensive transformation of the National Police Service arising from the reform process.”

The new general-duty uniform replaced the previous Persian-blue outfit with a sky-blue shirt and navy-blue trousers.

The design is worn by both male and female officers, replacing the white blouses previously worn by female officers.

The Kenya Police logo is displayed on the left sleeve, while the Kenyan flag is on the right.

Ruto said the design followed consultations with police officers and members of the public and was intended to address professional identity, operational suitability and the dignity of officers.

“The uniform itself emerged from consultations with police officers and the public,” he said.

He acknowledged that changing the attire alone would not transform the police service, but said it could contribute to building professionalism and pride among officers.

“A uniform alone cannot transform policing,” Ruto said, adding that “professional identity and pride are part of building a modern, disciplined and effective Police Service.”

The new uniforms have attracted public attention since their unveiling, with questions raised over the cost and procurement process.

Ruto said such questions should be addressed through evidence-based scrutiny rather than premature condemnation.

“And because this entire reform programme is undertaken in the public interest and financed with public resources, every aspect of it must withstand scrutiny,” he said.

“We welcome scrutiny of every decision and every shilling spent.”

The President said accountability was not optional, but a constitutional requirement in the management of public resources.

“Accountability is a constitutional obligation and must rest on facts, evidence and truth,” he said.

He urged those scrutinising the reforms to distinguish between legitimate questions over public expenditure and accusations made without sufficient evidence.

“We must demand answers without prejudice, question decisions without condemning people unheard, and expose wrongdoing wherever it exists,” Ruto said.

He added that proper scrutiny would strengthen public institutions and protect taxpayers' money.

“Honest scrutiny strengthens institutions, safeguards public resources and serves the public interest,” he said.

The new uniform is part of a broader overhaul of the National Police Service following recommendations arising from the police reform process.

The change currently applies to general-duty officers only.

Specialised formations, including the General Service Unit and Administration Police, retain their respective uniforms.

Ruto's remarks come as the government faces increased public interest in the cost, procurement and implementation of the police reforms, placing greater emphasis on transparency in the use of public funds