The Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration has ordered the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to terminate the contracts of 22 newly hired staff due to irregularities in their recruitment process.

• The positions were never advertised, violating legal requirements for hiring.
• NCIC officials, including the CEO, gave contradictory explanations regarding the hiring of 22 people instead of the intended 20.
• The committee, chaired by Senator Catherine Mumma, also questioned the NCIC and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on their efforts to curb inflammatory remarks by political figures.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted 185 candidates for judicial appointments across the Court of Appeal, High Court, and the Environment and Land Court. These interviews are scheduled to commence in early 2026, with the public encouraged to submit relevant information on candidates.

• A total of 714 applications were received, resulting in 35 shortlisted for the Court of Appeal, 100 for High Court Judges, and 50 for Environment and Land Court Judges.
• Ultimately, 15 judges will be appointed to the Court of Appeal, 20 to the High Court, and 10 to the Environment and Land Court.
• Interviews for the shortlisted candidates are slated from January 12, 2026, to March 23, 2026, at the JSC Boardroom in Nairobi.

Ahead of Monday's police recruitment drive for 10,000 constable positions, a new report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed widespread irregularities in the hiring process. The report highlights bribery, political interference, and outdated manual procedures as systemic issues undermining police recruitment across various cadres.

• EACC’s study, conducted from February 10 to June 13, found regulations were frequently ignored.
• The National Police Service (NPS) consistently uses flawed practices for recruiting constables, cadets, specialists, and civilian staff.
• Recommendations include fast-tracking an HR Policy and Procedures Manual and setting up complaint desks at recruitment centers.

The recruitment of 10,000 police constables is underway today, November 17, across 427 centers in Kenya after the High Court lifted a temporary suspension.

• Approximately 10,000 constables are being recruited in a one-day exercise concluding at 5 pm.
• The National Police Service Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, warned against corruption, stating that anyone involved in bribery will face the full force of the law.
• The Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, argued that a three-year recruitment freeze made the National Police Service critically understaffed, posing security risks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
• High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye rescinded conservatory orders, allowing the recruitment to proceed today.