The National Police Service (NPS) has denied corruption allegations tied to the tender for the newly launched General Duty police uniforms, maintaining that it adhered strictly to the law throughout the procurement process.
In an official statement released on Sunday, August 30, the NPS dismissed recent media reports linking a company named Nalitex Limited to the uniform’s procurement and manufacturing.
Clarifying the matter, the police service identified Bedi Investments Limited as the legitimate contractor. It stated that the firm cited in initial media coverage played no role in any phase of the deal.
“The entity referred to in the media reports as Nalitex Limited did not participate at any stage of the procurement process; was neither awarded the contract nor engaged as a subcontractor; and has received no purchase order or payment from the NPS,” the NPS stated.
“For clarity, M/s Bedi Investments Limited manufactures the new police uniforms, and the National Police Service lawfully awarded the contract,” it added.
Addressing allegations that the uniform design was changed to facilitate corrupt dealings, the NPS explained that the decision formed part of its broader police reform program, which was initiated well before the procurement process commenced.
The service stated that the change followed recommendations from the Maraga Task Force on Police Reforms, chaired by Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga. During consultations, police officers voiced dissatisfaction with the previous attire and requested a change.
The task force subsequently recommended reverting to former uniform colors, demonstrating that the decision was neither sudden nor arbitrary.
“After the reform process, the Kenya Police Service Uniform Committee worked with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to develop the standards required for the new uniform,” the statement noted.
To supposedly promote local manufacturing under the government’s Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative, the NPS invited four experienced Kenyan textile manufacturers to submit samples before Bedi Investments secured the tender.
This official clarification follows the recent unveiling of the new uniforms by President William Ruto, after which reports surfaced regarding the tender’s process. Several media reports linked the First Family to the company allegedly awarded a tender worth more than Ksh 2.8 billion.
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