Discipline is backbone of National Police Service (NPS). For Kenya’s female officers, strict regulations on uniform alterations, bold makeup, public romantic displays, and social media conduct aren’t just about “looking the part” they are legal requirements under Service Standing Orders (SSO) to maintain neutrality, safety, and chain of command.
1. Hair & Headgear: The “Beret” Rule
The National Police Service (NPS) is incredibly strict about hairstyles. Female officers are prohibited from wearing “exaggerated weaves,” long braids, or bulky hair extensions that prevent them from wearing their peaked caps or berets properly.
Why: A police officer’s headgear is a symbol of authority. If a weave is too high for a beret to sit level, it’s considered a breach of the Service Standing Orders Chapter 11. It’s not just an aesthetic choice; it’s about maintaining a uniform silhouette that ensures every officer is instantly recognizable and professional.
2. Makeup & Nail Polish: The “Natural” Limit
You won’t see a female officer on duty with “butterfly” lashes or neon-colored nails. Regulations strictly forbid bold makeup and colored nail polish. Only “discreet” makeup and clear or natural nail polish are permitted.
Why: The goal is neutrality. A police officer is a representative of the state, not an individual. Excessive cosmetics are viewed as a distraction that can diminish the “serious” nature of the uniform and may even interfere with operational tasks in the field.
3. Uniform Alterations: No “Slim-Fitting”
It is strictly forbidden for female officers to take their uniforms to a private tailor to be tapered, shortened, or made tight-fitting. Uniforms must be worn exactly as issued.
Why: Beyond professionalism, this is a safety issue. Tight clothing restricts movement during high-stakes situations, such as chasing a suspect or performing a rescue. Additionally, altering a government-issued kit is technically “damage to state property,” which can lead to disciplinary action, including fines or confinement to barracks.
4. Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
While female officers (and their male counterparts) are encouraged to have healthy personal lives, engaging in romantic or sexual conduct while in uniform or within police premises (stations/camps) is a “red line.”
Why: This is about the Chain of Command. In a disciplined service, romantic entanglements on duty can lead to favoritism or “insubordination” if a junior officer is dating a superior. To prevent a breakdown of order, the NPS maintains a strictly “strictly business” environment during work hours.
5. The “TikTok” Ban: Social Media Restrictions
In 2024 and 2025, the NPS cracked down on officers specifically targeting viral trends who post videos or photos in uniform that depict “unbecoming conduct.” Officers are strictly prohibited from sharing classified info, mocking superiors, or “vibe-ing” on social media while in uniform without clearance.
The Why: Information gain is key here: the NPS Standing Orders Section 90 explicitly states that any officer who identifies as an employee online must uphold the code of conduct. Posting “slop” or unprofessional content brings the entire service into disrepute and can accidentally leak sensitive operational locations through background details.
By the Numbers: Women in the NPS
| Metric | Statistic (Approx.) | | Total Force Strength | ~100,000+ | | Percentage of Female Officers | ~13-15% | | Top Rank Held by Women | Deputy Inspector General | | Standard Disciplinary Fine | Up to 1/3 of basic salary |
Note: These rules apply to all, but the spotlight often falls on female officers due to the evolving nature of fashion and social media trends. As of December 2025, the NPS continues to emphasize that “the uniform is a symbol of the Republic, not a fashion statement.”
