Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has approved the promotion of 1,948 police officers to various ranks following a Court of Appeal ruling that cleared the way for their long-pending career advancement.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the promotions follow the Court of Appeal’s decision in Civil Appeal Nos. E971 and E957 of 2025.
The decision brings relief to nearly 2,000 officers who had completed the required promotional training and met the conditions for advancement but were still awaiting confirmation of their new ranks.
According to the NPS, Kanja has formally approved the promotions, allowing the affected officers to advance in their careers.
“The Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS), Mr. Douglas Kanja, MGH, CBS, OGW, has formally approved the promotion of 1,948 officers, whose promotions had been pending, to various ranks, following the ruling of the Court of Appeal of Kenya in Civil Appeal No. E971 & E957 of 2025,” the statement reads.
Court ruling clears promotions
The National Police Service explained that all 1,948 officers had successfully completed the necessary promotional courses and satisfied the prescribed requirements.
Their advancement had remained pending before the latest development.
“The officers concerned had successfully undertaken the requisite promotional courses and met all the prescribed conditions for advancement. Their promotions take effect accordingly,” NPS stated.
The announcement confirms that the affected officers can now assume their new ranks following the Inspector General’s approval.
However, the statement does not provide a breakdown of the ranks involved or specify how many officers have been promoted to each position.
A front view of Supreme Court
It also does not disclose the financial implications of the promotions, including any salary adjustments or benefits associated with the new ranks.
Kanja congratulated the officers and wished them success as they take up their new responsibilities.
The Inspector General also reminded them that career advancement comes with increased expectations, particularly in maintaining discipline and delivering professional services to Kenyans.
He urged the officers to demonstrate integrity, accountability and fairness while executing their duties.
Kanja issues firm warning
Following the promotions, Kanja has directed the newly elevated officers to uphold the highest professional standards and respect the rule of law.
He emphasised that promotion within the police service is not merely a change in rank but also an increase in responsibility.
“The Inspector General urges the newly promoted officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and diligence in the performance of their duties,” the NPS stated.
“He emphasises that promotion carries with it greater responsibility and calls upon the officers to discharge their mandate with fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law.”
The National Police Service further expressed confidence that the promotions would strengthen police operations across the country.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja addressing security officers on Friday November 8, 2024.
According to the statement, the advancement of the 1,948 officers is expected to improve operational efficiency and public service delivery.
The development also forms part of the police service’s ongoing reforms aimed at building a more professional, efficient and accountable institution.
“These promotions will significantly enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery to the public, in line with the Service’s ongoing reforms and strategic objectives,” NPS stated.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Kenyans while strengthening people-centred policing.
The latest decision marks the formal approval of promotions that had remained unresolved despite the affected officers completing the required training and meeting the prescribed conditions.