The National Police Service (NPS) has broken its silence over controversy surrounding the procurement of Kenya’s new police uniforms, dismissing reports linking the multibillion-shilling process to a company allegedly associated with President William Ruto.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, NPS Director of Corporate Communication Muchir Nyaga said the Service was concerned about media reports introducing Nalitex Limited into the procurement and manufacture of the new Kenya Police Service General Duty uniforms.
Nyaga categorically denied the reported connection, saying Nalitex Limited did not feature anywhere in the official process.
“For clarity, the new police uniforms are being manufactured by M/s Bedi Investments Limited, which was lawfully awarded the contract by the National Police Service,” the spokesperson said.
The statement comes amid public scrutiny of the procurement process, with reports raising questions about the companies involved and alleged links between one of the entities mentioned and individuals affiliated with the President.
The NPS, however, maintained that Nalitex Limited neither participated in the procurement process nor received any contract or payment from the Service.
The police further clarified that the decision to change the General Duty uniform was not initiated suddenly. According to the NPS, the move formed part of recommendations arising from the police reform process led by the task force chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
During consultations, police officers reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the existing uniform and supported a return to the previous colour scheme.
The Kenya Police Service Uniform Committee subsequently worked with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to develop the specifications for the new uniform.
The NPS said four Kenyan textile manufacturers with previous experience supplying police uniform material were invited to submit samples. They were Bedi Investments Limited, Rivatex East Africa Limited, Thika Textile Mills Limited and Sunflag Textiles & Knitwear Mills.
According to the Service, only Bedi Investments and Rivatex submitted samples within the stipulated period. Following evaluation and public participation, the sample produced by Bedi Investments was selected and approved through the relevant security structures.
The subsequent procurement, the NPS said, was conducted under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, and applicable regulations.
Bedi Investments was consequently awarded the contract to manufacture and stitch the new General Duty uniforms.
The police described reports linking Nalitex to the procurement as “false and malicious”, insisting that the company was neither awarded the contract nor engaged as a subcontractor.
The NPS said Nalitex had also not received a purchase order or payment from the Service.
The Service nevertheless welcomed scrutiny of public expenditure, urging journalists and members of the public to base their reporting on complete and verifiable procurement records.
The controversy comes shortly after President Ruto unveiled the new police uniform, with the government presenting the change as part of ongoing police reforms and efforts to improve officers’ welfare and professionalism.
The NPS said it remains committed to implementing police reforms while upholding transparency, accountability and responsible use of public resources.