The High Court in Nairobi has stopped the planned recruitment of 10,000 police constables by the National Police Service.
The order was made on Monday, November 10, 2025, by Justice Bahati Mwamuye at the Milimani Law Courts.
The judge issued a temporary order after activist Eliud Matindi filed a case challenging the recruitment that had been announced by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on November 4.
According to the court, the recruitment will not continue until the case is fully heard and decided.
In his ruling, Justice Mwamuye said, “Pending the hearing and determination of the case, a conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the Notice of Recruitment of Police Constables.”
The judge also directed the petitioner to serve all parties involved with court documents by November 12 and file proof that this has been done.
The National Police Service had announced that the new officers would help strengthen security and reduce the shortage of personnel in many areas.
However, with the new court order, all activities connected to the recruitment must stop until the case is resolved.
The court order affects not only the police but also any government body or person involved in the process. This means no interviews, processing, or appointments can take place.
Activist Eliud Matindi argued that the recruitment process might have violated some constitutional principles, and that is why he went to court.
The details of his petition have not yet been made public, but the case has already attracted public interest, as many young Kenyans were preparing to apply for the positions.
The High Court’s decision has created uncertainty for thousands of job seekers who had been waiting for the recruitment date.
Some expressed disappointment, while others welcomed the move, saying it will ensure fairness and transparency.
The matter will be mentioned again once all parties have been served. Until then, the police recruitment remains suspended.
Tags:
Kenya