A police recruitment exercise in the Rift Valley took an unexpected turn after a 27-year-old applicant staged a public protest, claiming he had been unfairly locked out despite years of preparation and unwavering determination.
The man, who has attempted to join the National Police Service several times since finishing high school, said he has always met the requirements he believed mattered most: physical fitness, clean records, academic qualifications, and a genuine desire to serve. But once again, he was turned away.
According to recruitment officials, he did not meet two non-negotiable standards he fell short of the minimum height requirement and had already surpassed the maximum recruitment age of 26. At 27, he is one year over the limit.
In an effort to boost his chances, he had earlier joined the National Youth Service, completing the full programme, including training, national service, and a vocational course. He hoped his NYS credentials would not only strengthen his application but also demonstrate discipline and commitment. However, even with this background, he still failed to secure a place.
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His emotional protest quickly captured public attention, with many Kenyans arguing that his persistence, loyalty, and NYS achievements should have at least earned him a second look. Others insisted that rules must be applied uniformly to maintain fairness in the recruitment process.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation on whether age and height limitations should be reviewed to accommodate passionate and qualified candidates who narrowly miss out. As the debate grows, many now wait to see whether recruitment authorities will respond to the concerns raised by the public.
