Get police cash bail or a free bond after arrest
National Police Service · sources read 2 Oct 2026
If you're arrested for an offence that isn't serious, ask the officer in charge of the police station to release you on cash bail or a free bond until your court date. You have a right to bail on reasonable terms and to an official receipt for any cash you pay.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- At the police station where you are held: ask the officer in charge (OCS)
Steps
- Ask the officer in charge of the police station (OCS) to release you on bail or bond to appear in court on a set date.
- For a petty offence, if you're not likely to run away, ask for a free bond: you are released on your promise, or with a surety, without paying cash.
- If you're given cash bail, pay it and insist on an official receipt.
- Go to court on the date in your bond. You only report to the magistrate, not to the police station.
Watch out
- Police can't release you for murder, treason, robbery with violence or attempted robbery with violence. Only a court can grant bail for these.
- If you miss your court date, police will ask for a warrant of arrest and you can lose the cash bail you paid.
- If police don't release you, they must take you to court within 24 hours of the arrest.
Who can apply
- Anyone arrested has a right to bail or bond on reasonable conditions, unless there are compelling reasons to keep them in custody.
- A child is released to a parent, guardian or another responsible adult who signs for them.
Official sources (2)
- Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines (March 2015) judiciary.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Criminal Procedure Code (Cap. 75), sections 36 and 36A probation.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026