The High Court at Milimani in Nairobi has temporarily suspended the ongoing police recruitment exercise following a petition by Eliud Matindi challenging the November 4, 2025, recruitment notice.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Monday issued a conservatory order directing that the suspension applies to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), the State Law Office, and all related parties, including employees, agents, and supporting entities involved in the recruitment process.
The order also halts all operations, applications, and implementation of the recruitment notice until the matter is fully heard.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the Petitioner/Applicant's Notice of Motion Application dated 06/11/2025, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the Notice of Recruitment of Police Constables/Officers issued on 04/11/2025 by the 1st Respondent,” the court ruled.
The court also set clear timelines for procedural compliance. The petitioner is required to serve all respondents and interested parties with the application, petition, and court order by close of business on 12 November 2025 and file proof of service.
The respondents and interested parties must file their responses by 11 December 2025, while the petitioner may file a rejoinder by 9 January 2026 if needed.
A mention is scheduled for 22 January 2026 to confirm compliance and set directions for an expedited hearing of the petition.
The court issued a penal notice warning that any disobedience or failure to observe the order will attract legal consequences.
The National Police Service on October 31, 2025, announced a nationwide recruitment of police constables on November 17, 2025, following the High Court ruling on October 30, 2025, that the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) does not have the authority to manage the recruitment, training, employment, or disciplinary actions of members of the National Police Service (NPS).
In her judgment, Justice Wasilwa explained that the Constitution clearly defines the separate roles of the NPSC and the Inspector General. She pointed out that while the NPSC has a mandate to oversee police affairs at a policy level, it cannot interfere with the IG’s independent control over the police force.
"The Commission is not a national security body as defined in Article 239(1) of the Constitution. Its scope is limited to administrative duties, including oversight and discipline, not recruitment or deployment," the judge stated.
According to a notice from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the recruitment was to be held simultaneously in all counties across 422 designated centres, with all applicants expected to report to their respective venues by 8:00 a.m.
The ruling pauses the recruitment process once more, with the mention set for January 22, 2026.
