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)

1. 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.
2. Complete application form by uploading scanned:
   • National ID
   • KCSE/Degree/diploma certificates
   • Certificate of good conduct
   • Academic transcripts and birth certificate
3. 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.
4. 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.