Assessing the Effectiveness of Recruitment Practices in the National Police Service and their Impact on National Security in Kenya

This study examined the effectiveness of recruitment practices within the National Police Service (NPS) of Kenya and their implications for national security. The research aimed to assess whether current recruitment procedures align with the operational needs and professional standards required to safeguard internal security. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with NPS personnel across various ranks and regions. The findings revealed key shortcomings in the recruitment process, including inadequate vetting mechanisms, political interference, limited transparency, and the lack of merit-based selection. These factors have contributed to the entry of underqualified and sometimes compromised individuals into the service, undermining professionalism, discipline, and operational effectiveness. The study further established that weak recruitment systems hinder the NPS’s ability to respond effectively to evolving security threats, eroding public trust and weakening national security. The study recommends reforming recruitment frameworks to emphasize integrity, competence, and institutional accountability as critical steps toward strengthening the security sector and enhancing the legitimacy of the police service in Kenya.