Kenya: Matiang'i Faults Ruto's Regime Costly Approach to New Police Uniforms

What the report says

Former Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has criticized the government’s latest plan to change police uniforms, arguing that public spending should make better use of existing state institutions rather than rely on costly external procurement. In comments reported by Capital FM and republished by AllAfrica, Matiang'i said his administration had previously handled a police uniform overhaul by combining the National Youth Service, other public bodies and private-sector partners to produce the attire locally and contain costs.

The current uniforms were unveiled on August 28, 2026, when President William Ruto inspected newly trained officers at the National Police College in Kiganjo. The National Police Service says the redesign affects about 60,000 General Duty officers and includes changes to shirts, trousers, berets and women’s uniforms. The service has also said the new uniform is part of a broader reform process linked to the Maraga Task Force on Police Reforms, and that officers involved in consultations preferred the return to a previous colour scheme.

The issue has drawn wider attention because of debate over cost and procurement. Reports cited in the article placed the overall purchase in the billions of shillings, though exact figures have been disputed. The police service said Bedi Investments Limited won the contract after a process involving sample submissions and public participation, and denied claims that Nalitex Limited was involved.

The dispute matters because it has become a test case for transparency and value for money in public spending, with opposition figures using the uniform change to question the Kenya Kwanza administration’s approach to state projects.