Newly trained Administration Police officers have been challenged to prove their worth by serving with discipline, integrity and respect for human rights as they begin their careers in the National Police Service.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the officers must treat their authority as a responsibility to the public, warning them against conduct that could erode confidence in the police service.
Masengeli was speaking on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the 59th Administration Police Recruits Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi.
He said the officers had completed 285 days of training after joining the college on November 24, 2025, and were now leaving the institution prepared to protect lives and property and serve the public.
“These young men and women entered this institution as recruits. They leave as Administration Police officers, trained, cultured, united, and entrusted with the solemn duty to protect and serve the people of Kenya, Your Excellency. Today, we do not merely pass out police officers. We release new generation of custodians of the Republic. They have been trained, tested, and prepared. Kenya has invested in them. The service has prepared them. Their families have sacrificed for them, and the nation now awaits their service,” Masengeli said.
The National Police Service was established under Article 243 of the Constitution and comprises the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service.
The Constitution requires the service to maintain high standards of professionalism and discipline, prevent corruption, promote accountability and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Under the National Police Service Act, the Administration Police Service is responsible for maintaining law and order, preserving peace, protecting life and property, providing border patrol and security, preventing stock theft and safeguarding government property and vital installations.
The service also supports government agencies in carrying out their lawful duties.
Masengeli said the latest recruitment would boost the country’s security capacity while giving more young Kenyans an opportunity to contribute to national development.
“This recruitment supports the bottom-up economic transformation agenda by strengthening human capital and creating opportunities for young Kenyans to continue meaningfully to Kenya’s long-term development aspirations. By investing in these officers, Your Excellency, you have strengthened our service delivery across formations, units, specialised capabilities, including Border Police Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, and National Government Administration Police Unit. Every additional officer translates into better service for Kenyans,” the DIG stated.
L-R: President William Ruto, Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli during the 59th Administration Police Recruits Passing-out Parade, Nairobi on September 4, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
The new officers are expected to be deployed across different formations and specialised units of the Administration Police Service.
These include the Border Police Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit and Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit, among other formations.
Masengeli reminded the officers that passing out was not the end of their preparation but the start of their professional responsibilities.
He urged them to exercise restraint and remain accountable when using the powers entrusted to them, especially when dealing with members of the public.
“The uniform is a symbol of trust, not power. The role entrusted to you as an instrument of responsibility is to serve without fear or favour, respect the Constitution and human rights, protect the vulnerable, and stand firm against corruption. And when faced with a choice between what is easy and what is right, choose what is right,” he said.
The DIG also thanked parents and guardians for supporting the recruits throughout their training, urging them to continue encouraging the officers to remain disciplined, humble and accountable.
He further called on communities to view the new officers as partners in maintaining security, saying policing is a shared responsibility.
As they begin their assignments, Masengeli urged the officers to leave behind behaviour that could damage the image of the service and weaken public confidence.
“A cat that is training to become a lion must abandon its appetite for the rats. Recruits, because you are now police officers, you must abandon your old habits in order to serve Kenya better. Remember, trust is earned, reputation is built, and character opens doors,” he said.