President William Ruto has told newly trained Administration Police officers to use their authority to protect Kenyans and their constitutional rights, warning that police power must never become a tool for personal control.
Ruto said officers joining the National Police Service must enforce the law while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, as he challenged them to earn public trust through responsible and professional conduct.
He spoke on Friday during the 59th Administration Police Recruits Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi, where he reminded the officers that their powers come from the Constitution and are held on behalf of the people.
“Always remember that the authority you carry does not originate from your rank, your weapon, or your uniform. It emanates from the constitution, belongs ultimately to the people of Kenya, and is entrusted to you for one purpose: service,” President Ruto said.
The National Police Service is established under Article 243 of the Constitution and comprises the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service.
Article 244 requires the service to maintain professionalism and discipline, fight corruption, uphold transparency and accountability, respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and build strong relations with the public.
Ruto said the requirements should shape how officers handle their daily duties, from arrests and investigations to crowd control, conflict management and assisting members of the public.
“These principles must guide every arrest, such an investigation, every crowd you manage, conflict you resolve, and every citizen you assist,” he stated.
The President placed particular focus on constitutional freedoms, including the rights to expression, association, assembly, demonstration and political participation.
“Our constitution also guarantees freedom of expression, association, assembly, demonstration, and political participation. These freedoms are central to our democratic order and must be respected and protected,” President Ruto said.
Article 37 of the Constitution protects the right of citizens to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and without weapons.
Ruto also reminded the officers that their work goes beyond responding to crime, saying police play a major role in creating the conditions that allow families, businesses and communities to go about their lives safely.
“At the same time, we must recognize what police officers contribute every day. When families sleep, officers remain awake. When danger arises, officers step forward. When communities are threatened, officers stand between citizens and harm.”
He said security was also central to economic activity because businesses need a safe environment to operate, farmers need to reach markets, children need to attend school and investors need confidence to put their money into the country.
“Security is therefore about more than fighting crime. It is the confidence that enables a business to operate, a farmer to reach markets, children to go to school, and investors to deploy their capital, keeping families safe protects livelihoods and expands opportunity,” President Ruto said.
The responsibility comes as police continue to handle a wide range of security concerns across the country.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that 96,038 crimes were reported to police in 2025, representing a 5.1% drop from the previous year.
Other offences against persons made up 25.5% of reported crimes, while cases involving police officers, homicide, robbery and break-ins also recorded declines during the year.
The country had 101,650 officers in the National Police Service in 2025, including 25,697 Administration Police officers and 68,493 Kenya Police officers. This translated to a national police-to-civilian ratio of one officer for every 525 people.
Ruto said the Administration Police Service carries an added responsibility in areas affected by complex security threats.
The officers are involved in securing borders and critical installations and responding to banditry, terrorism, livestock theft and organised crime. They also work with communities to prevent conflict and encourage peaceful coexistence.
The President said the success of police reforms should ultimately be judged by how Kenyans experience the service rather than by the equipment, policies or technology available to officers.
“Ultimately, the true measure of police reform will not be found in speeches, policies, equipment, technology, or uniforms. It will be found in the experience of the citizenry of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
He urged the new officers to respond when citizens seek their help, enforce the law fairly, reject corruption, protect vulnerable people and uphold human dignity.
Ruto said their character would also be tested in moments when there was no commander or member of the public watching.
“The true test of an officer is not only what you do when the nation is watching, but what you do when only your conscience, your oath, and the law stands between what is right and what is easy.”
He challenged the graduating officers to balance the use of police powers with restraint and accountability as they begin their careers.
“Serve with courage, but never without restraint. Exercise authority, but never without accountability. And enforce the law, but never without humanity,” President Ruto concluded.