Although the newly unveiled National Police Service (NPS) uniform has been generally well received, the procurement has raised questions that need to be addressed. After all, it is about spending public funds, and the people have a right to know whether this is value for taxpayers’ money.
Supporters of the new look say it is better for the image of the police service compared to the one unveiled eight years ago by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Uniforms give the officers identity and dignity in the discharge of their mandate of maintaining law and order.
However, the procurement is already raising eyebrows. The tender for the new uniform remains secret, with the supplier and cost known only to top officials despite names of some firms being mentioned. About 60,000 officers will wear the uniform, costing the government more than Sh2 billion.
It bears an embroidered name tag and service number, with the police logo on the left sleeve and National Flag on the right.While the operations of security agencies must be handled with utmost care to avoid compromising them, they are not exempt from the principles guiding good governance.
Opaque procurement is a matter of concern. Some critics are already seeing a mega tender scandal in the making. A question that has arisen is whether it was advertised openly or reserved for a few well-connected individuals.
The tender to supply uniforms to security personnel, especially police and the military, should never be awarded to mysterious briefcase entities. The uniform, if made locally, must be in a secure facility with proper controls as a key safeguard.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen must be transparent about the procurement and also give a public assurance that the suppliers meet the security threshold.
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