Join the National Police Reserve (become a police reservist)
National Police Service · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Police reservists are volunteers aged 18 or over who live in Kenya. The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) recruits them on the Inspector-General's recommendation, and you are vetted and trained before you serve.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- Through the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), which recruits reservists with the Inspector-General
Steps
- Check you qualify: you live in Kenya, you're 18 or older, and you're not serving in a disciplined service.
- Reservists are recruited by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), on the Inspector-General's recommendation, under NPSC rules.
- If picked, you're vetted, medically examined and trained before you're deployed.
- Once enlisted, you get a certificate of appointment, which is your proof that you are a reservist.
Watch out
- It's a volunteer role: you aren't paid a salary, only the allowances that are set. Full police pay applies only if you're called out in a war or emergency.
- You serve for two years at a time and can be re-engaged after each two years.
- Reservists can't take part in political meetings in uniform or as reservists.
Who can apply
- People living in Kenya, aged 18 or over, who volunteer. Serving members of the disciplined services can't join.
Official sources (2)
- National Police Service Act (Cap. 84), Revised Edition 2014, Part XV: The National Police Reserve nationalpolice.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- National Police Service Standing Orders, Chapter 54: National Police Reserve kenyapolice.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026