Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has raised concerns over the government’s new police uniform procurement process.
In a statement on Monday, he reflected on the approach used during the previous administration when police uniforms were last changed.
He explained that instead of relying on external tenders, they chose a model that made use of existing public institutions and local expertise.
Collage photos of new police unoform and Fred Matiang’i. Photo: Courtesy.
Matiang’i noted that the National Youth Service played a key role due to its vocational and technical training capacity. Other public institutions and private sector players were also brought on board.
This approach helped reduce costs, strengthened local production capacity, and created job opportunities for Kenyans.
He noted that the experience taught them that the government does not always need to tender for every service, especially when it already has the internal capacity to deliver. The key was proper coordination.
Now, with another change of police uniforms underway, Matiang’i has questioned whether the current process is making the best use of the country’s available resources.
He urged leaders to ask the bigger question of whether value for money is being achieved.
In his view, effective leadership should not be judged by how much is spent, but by what is accomplished with available resources.
President William Ruto unveiled the new uniforms for general duty officers on Friday, August 28.
The design includes sky-blue shirts, dark blue trousers and berets, and a special dress for expectant female officers.
The National Police Service later clarified that reports linking the contract to a company named Nalitex Limited were false, stating that the company had no role in the procurement.
The police service confirmed that M/s Bedi’s design was approved and the contract awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
