For dozens of young women in Lamu, the long-awaited dream of joining the National Police Service turned into a devastating ordeal this week after they were abruptly informed that no recruitment slots had been allocated for women in the county. Many of them had waited nearly four years for the next national intake, only to walk away heartbroken, confused, and demanding answers.
Witnesses say the women began arriving at the recruitment grounds before sunrise, some traveling from remote islands and mainland villages across Lamu County. Many had spent months preparing: running daily, improving their health, saving money for transport and medical forms, and gathering every required document.
But their excitement turned into disbelief when recruitment officials allegedly announced that only male candidates would be considered.
“When they told us women were not needed, it felt like a slap in the face,” said one aspiring recruit. “We have waited, trained, and sacrificed. How can they exclude us like this?”
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Others described how they stood silently as male candidates were processed, leaving them unsure whether to protest, demand clarification, or simply walk away. Several women broke down in tears, saying they had pinned their hopes on this career path after years of unemployment and limited opportunities in the region.
The incident has triggered public outrage, with community leaders, local activists, and gender rights groups condemning the exclusion as blatant discrimination. Many argue that Lamu, an area repeatedly affected by insecurity, unemployment, and the need for inclusive policing, cannot afford to shut out qualified women.
Human rights defenders have labelled the event a violation of constitutional principles on gender equality and fair access to public service. Some have warned that such actions undermine public confidence in national recruitment processes, especially in historically marginalized areas.
The concerns reached the National Police Service headquarters, prompting a response from Police Spokesperson Nyaga, who confirmed that the service is now investigating the matter.
“We are looking into what happened in Lamu,” he said. “The National Police Service is committed to equal opportunity and gender balance in all recruitment exercises. If any irregularities occurred, the necessary corrective measures will be taken.”
Nyaga did not disclose details on whether the exclusion was a local decision, a logistical mix-up, or a misunderstanding, but insisted that the service does not support discrimination in any form.
For many, this is not the first-time women in coastal regions have expressed frustration over being sidelined in recruitment into security agencies. Advocates note that women often face additional barriers including:
Limited access to training and preparation facilities Cultural and social stereotypes regarding “suitable roles “Fewer recruitment slots in remote countiesInconsistent communication from authorities
This latest incident, they say, reinforces a wider systemic issue that must be addressed if Kenya is to achieve meaningful gender representation in its security institutions.
Despite the disappointment, several women said they have not lost hope. Many are calling for a repeat recruitment exercise or an official clarification from the National Police Service confirming whether women in Lamu will get another chance.
“I still want to serve my country,” said one applicant. “But we need fairness. We need transparency. And we need to know that our efforts matter.”
As investigations proceed, the spotlight is now firmly on the National Police Service to explain why women in Lamu were turned away and to ensure corrective action is taken. Gender equality advocates are urging authorities to audit all recruitment centers to prevent similar incidents in other counties.
For now, the affected women remain united in their demand for one thing: a fair opportunity to serve in the uniform they have worked years to earn.
