Introducing a new uniform for the National Police Service is an opportunity to boost the officers’ dignity. Uniforms are a mark of identity that distinguishes this group, whose mandate is to maintain law and order.
Uniforms provide instant public identification and project authority, deterring criminal activity. A uniformed presence signals surveillance, which often averts opportunistic crimes. Uniforms foster discipline, teamwork, and shared purpose among members of this vital service.
The police have just received a new uniform to replace the deep-blue navy outfit introduced eight years ago. Criminals fear the security agencies’ uniforms, and especially those of the police, because they signal surveillance and enforcement against lawbreakers.
According to Inspector-General Douglas Kanja, the change in uniform is aimed at boosting morale and enhancing service delivery among police officers.
This follows a 2023 survey and public participation in which many Kenyans and police officers rejected the deep-blue attire, with some likening it to a church-choir outfit. Interestingly, a task force led by former Chief Justice David Maraga found that the people favoured the restoration of the old police uniform.
However, a uniform alone will not ease these officers’ job. Needed are more demanding actions, including a crackdown on criminality at political rallies, with the goonism culture taking root. Criminal gangs have been allowed to operate with impunity countrywide. The service is also notorious for corruption, with some officers blatantly engaging in extortion.
Agencies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority should be strengthened to hold rogue officers accountable and ensure transparency. Rising crime and corruption have severely damaged the service’s dignity and destroyed public trust.
Apart from the use of excessive force and extrajudicial actions, increasing brutality and unlawful actions during public protests or arrests also damage the image of the service.
Daily interactions such as bribery at police roadblocks or during investigations taint the service, eroding public trust. Restoring dignity requires tackling deep-seated challenges such as corruption, brutality, and impunity.
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