Old uniform gets dirty quickly! Spokesperson Charles Owino Justifies Billions Spent on New Police Uniforms

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino stood firm in Nairobi as he explained the decision to allocate funds for new police uniforms across the country in 2026. Officers needed fresh attire because the old versions failed practical tests in daily work. This move aimed to restore pride and better appearance for general duty teams serving the public every day.

Charles Owino spoke clearly during a conversation on national television on September 1, 2026. He laid out the core issue with the prior blue design that officers wore until recently. “The challenge we had with the previous uniform that was changed was that it got dirty so fast.” He added right away, “That was the only problem.” Those words cut through the noise around the KSh 2.8 billion price tag. Kenya faces tough questions on spending, yet the government sticks to its plan for improved gear.

President William Ruto unveiled the fresh look on August 28, 2026, at the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County. More than 6000 new recruits walked out in the light blue shirts paired with deep navy trousers. The change covers general duty officers only.

About 60000 such men and women patrol stations and streets nationwide. Administration Police and General Service Unit kits stay the same for now. Each regular set runs around KSh 25000. Two sets per officer push the total near KSh 3 billion when fully done. Boots add another KSh 3000 to KSh 5000 each.

Public talk grew loud after the launch. Some lawmakers called the outlay misplaced. Others demanded full tender details. The National Police Service later named Bedi Investments Limited as the main local firm handling production through competitive bids with textile makers in places like Thika, Kitui, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Owino stressed the process follows recommendations from earlier reform talks. Officers themselves pushed for better fabric that holds up under sun, rain, and long shifts.

Why Did Kenya Change the Old Police Attire Now?

The previous blue kit faded and soiled too quickly under normal duty conditions. Owino made this plain when he addressed concerns head-on. Officers appeared worn out even after short weeks on the job. That hurt morale and public view. The new version uses stronger material chosen after feedback sessions. Female officers gain a blue top section instead of the old white one that showed dirt worse. Maternity options remain open for further input.

Rollout happens in stages. Fresh graduates from Kiganjo received the first batches. Existing officers get replacements as their current sets wear out each year. No sudden swap for all 120000 total service members.

Owino noted this during the same talk. He pointed to a separate 36 percent rise in starting pay for new recruits as proof of broader care for welfare. Salaries matter more than looks, yet both move forward together.

Streets in Nairobi and towns across Kenya already show mixed scenes. Some officers still wear the fading blue while others sport the crisp new style. Sensory details stand out. The light blue catches sunlight better without the heavy soil marks that plagued the last design.

What Makes the New Design Better for Daily Work?

Stronger fabric resists dirt and fading far more effectively than the previous version. Owino justified the full cost by focusing on this practical gain alone. The old problem forced constant washing that wore pieces out faster.

Now the government expects a longer service life from each set. Local factories handle the bulk under the push for Kenyan-made goods. Production links to textile hubs that employ workers in several counties.

Critics keep pressing on value. Former leaders asked why not use existing state workshops more. Opposition voices in Meru and Makueni argued the money could fund factories or school fees instead.

Yet Owino held the line. He repeated that dirt was the sole real flaw that demanded action. The government spent the funds after officers and the public flagged the issue over years. Chronology shows the prior blue arrived around 2018 or 2019 and drew similar complaints from the start.

Context from the ground shows mixed feelings. Some residents in Nyeri near the training college cheered the smart appearance at the pass-out parade. Others in city markets still ask if the cash could fix housing or equipment first. The government answers by pointing to ongoing salary lifts and reform steps from the Maraga task force papers. Uniforms form one visible piece. Training gear and accountability measures run alongside soon. Police ranks gain the upgrade. Uniforms finally meet the daily grind without the old rapid decline.