Prospective police constable recruits have received a major reprieve after the Constitutional and Human Rights Review Division of the High Court on Friday lifted earlier orders that had suspended the planned National Police Service (NPS) recruitment exercise.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye rescinded his Monday ruling that had halted the process, paving the way for the recruitment to proceed unless the National Police Service decides otherwise.
The judge further directed that applications filed by petitioner Eliud Matindi and the Attorney General be consolidated and heard together on Monday morning, November 17, 2025.
The dispute began on November 10, when Matindi challenged the constitutionality of the recruitment, arguing that the mandate lies with the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) rather than the Inspector General of Police or the NPS.
However, on Wednesday, November 13, the Attorney General filed an application seeking to set aside the halt, arguing that the NPS had already deployed significant resources toward the exercise.
The Attorney General warned that delaying or stopping the November 17 recruitment would “jeopardize national security, safety, and the well-being of the Republic of Kenya.” He also accused Matindi of withholding material information, noting that he did not disclose a ruling by Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Hellen Wasilwa, which vested recruitment powers in the NPS and the Inspector General.
The state emphasized that after a three-year freeze on hiring, the police service remains understaffed, making the 2025 recruitment critical.
With the orders lifted, all eyes now turn to Monday’s hearing, where the court will determine the fate of the much-awaited nationwide recruitment exercise.