Kenyan Police Issue 21-Day Strike Notice Over Unfulfilled Pledges
The Kenya Police Service is facing a potential paralysis after union officials issued a 21-day strike notice to the government, demanding the immediate implementation of long-promised welfare improvements. The threat, delivered by the Union of Kenya Police Officers (UKPO), cites the state’s failure to honor a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that addressed critical issues including comprehensive medical cover, house allowances, and a review of risk and extraneous allowances. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between rank-and-file officers and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
The core of the dispute lies in unfulfilled promises that officers say have left them financially strained and demoralized. Despite previous negotiations and assurances, key components of the CBA have not been actioned. An officer injured in the line of duty still struggles to get proper medical attention. The house allowance we receive is not commensurate with the current cost of living in most towns, stated a UKPO representative who sought anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue. The union also highlighted the lack of a clear promotions structure, which has led to career stagnation for many dedicated officers.
The impending strike threat has sent shockwaves through the country’s security apparatus. A work stoppage by police would represent an unprecedented security crisis, leaving the nation vulnerable. The government, through the Ministry of Interior, has acknowledged receipt of the notice and stated that talks are underway to resolve the matter amicably. However, police officers across the country are watching closely, with many expressing solidarity with the union’s demands. We have been patient for too long. It is time the government treated us with the dignity we deserve for putting our lives on the line every day, commented a police constable based in Nairobi.
The coming days are critical as the government races against the clock to avert the strike. The NPSC and the National Treasury are expected to convene an emergency meeting to find a fiscal solution to the officers’ demands. While the law prohibits uniformed services from striking, the sheer act of issuing the notice piles immense pressure on the administration to address the grievances. The outcome of these negotiations will not only determine the immediate security landscape but also define the future of police welfare and morale in Kenya.