Must a police officer show you their name or ID?
National Police Service Act · sources read 5 Oct 2026
Yes. A police officer in uniform must at all times wear a name tag or service number clearly visible on the uniform, and an officer using a power under the National Police Service Act must show their certificate of appointment if you ask. If they refuse, the power they are using is invalid.
- Where
- IPOA for complaints about police conduct
Steps
- Note the name tag or service number on the officer's uniform.
- Ask to see the officer's certificate of appointment. An officer using a power under the Act must produce it when asked.
- If an officer breaks these rules, you can complain to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which investigates complaints against police officers. You can complain orally or in writing.
Watch out
- If an officer fails to produce the certificate when asked, the power they are trying to use is invalid.
- An officer who stops and searches a vehicle or enters premises without a warrant must identify themselves first.
- An officer about to use a firearm must identify themselves and give a clear warning, unless that would put someone at risk of death or serious harm or would clearly be pointless.
Who this covers
- Any person against whom an officer is using, or about to use, a power under the National Police Service Act.
Official sources (2)
- Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, No. 35 of 2011 nationalpolice.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- National Police Service Act (Cap. 84), version of 15 September 2023 new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026