NPS Recruitment 2025/2026 | Official Timelines, Eligibility & How to Apply
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) oversees recruitment for Kenya’s police forces, including Kenya Police Service, Administration Police, and other units. In late 2024, the government lifted a freeze on recruitment and announced plans to hire approximately 5,000 officers, including cadets, in 2025.
Official Dates & Timeline for NPS Recruitment
- No recruitment exercises will start in May 2025, social media adverts claiming otherwise have been flagged as fake by NPS.
- Initial intake of 5,000 officers is expected in March 2025. Cadet batches are likely to follow in subsequent months.
- Full online applications are anticipated from June 2025, with an application window lasting several weeks.
- Some portals suggest the county-based exercise could run from June 20 to July 17, 2025, across all counties.
Recruitment Centers & Structure
- Recruitment will take place at designated centers in all 47 Kenyan counties, often at stadiums or county offices.
- The process includes strict oversight by NPSC, which will publish official schedules via its website and county offices.
Eligibility & Requirements
Age and Academic Criteria
- General police constables: Aged 18 to 30, KCSE minimum grade D+ (with emphasis on English & Kiswahili).
- Cadet officers (graduates): Degree holders, age limit extended to 30
Physical & Legal Standards
- Height: Minimum 5’4″ (men) / 5’2″ (women)
- Must be physically and medically fit, with no criminal record
- Female applicants must not be pregnant during recruitment or training periods.
Other Requirements
- Valid Kenyan ID or passport
- Fulfillment of Chapter Six integrity standards
- Basic computer literacy likely required for application processing.
Counties Eligible for NPS Recruitment 2025/2026
Recruitment centers will open across all 47 counties, ensuring equitable access nationwide
| Nairobi | Mombasa | Homa Bay |
| Tharaka-Nithi | Kajiado | Meru |
| Narok | Isiolo | Kisumu |
| Marsabit | Siaya | Mandera |
| Wajir | Garissa | Taita Mak Taveta |
| Kilifi | Tana River | Lamu |
| Kwale | Samburu | Busia |
| Kakamega | Vihiga | Bungoma |
| Bomet | Kericho | Machakos |
| Kitui | Embu | Makueni |
| West Pokot | Nakuru | Nyamira |
| Kisii | Migori | Turkana |
| Kiambu | Nyeri | Nyandarua |
| Murang’a | Laikipia | Nandi |
| Kirinyaga | Baringo | Elgeyo-Marakwet |
| Trans-Nzoia | Uasin Gishu |
Also Read: KDF Recruitment | Key Dates, Centers & How to Apply
How to Apply (When Recruitment Opens)
- Register online at the official NPS portals:
- www.npsc.go.ke or www.kenyapolice.go.ke, click on the Careers section
- Only use official platforms; avoid social media or third-party links.
- Complete application form by uploading scanned:
- National ID
- KCSE/Degree/diploma certificates
- Certificate of good conduct
- Academic transcripts and birth certificate
- Attend physical recruitment center on assigned dates in sportswear.
- Undergo Medical Examination, Physical Fitness tests, and Document Verification.
- For cadet roles: written aptitude test and interviews follow.
- Track shortlist notifications via SMS, NPSC portal, or local offices.
FAQs
Q: Is there a recruitment fee?
No. The entire process is completely free. NPSC warns against scammers charging for forms or appointments.
Q: Can I apply for both cadet and general roles?
Yes, as long as you meet the academic and age requirements for each. Separate applications must be submitted per category.
Q: Are women eligible?
Absolutely. Women can apply under all categories if they meet the standards.
Q: How long from application to deployment?
The full recruitment process from application opening to training deployment can take between 3 to 6 months.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Intake Period | March 2025 (approx.). Cadets & constables |
| Application Window | June to July 2025 |
| Nationwide Centers | All 47 counties |
| Age Requirements | 18 to 30 years (general), up to 30 for cadets |
| Academic Standard | KCSE D+ minimum; degree for cadets |
| Physical Standards | Height minimum, fitness & medical clearance required |
| Process | Online application → fitness/medical → written test/interview |
| Fee | Free |
Final Thoughts
The Kenya Police recruitment 2025/2026 represents the first major recruitment exercise after a prolonged pause. Applications begin with online forms in June 2025, followed by localized selection at county recruitment centers over the next few weeks. Interested candidates should start preparing now: review requirements, train physically, verify documents, and only trust official NPSC portals for information and applications.
