NPS Denies Ksh2.8 Billion Police Uniform Tender Link to Two-Year-Old Company
The National Police Service has firmly rejected claims that a two-year-old company secured a multi-billion-shilling contract for its newly launched general duty uniforms.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday, officials clarified that the firm named in media reports played no part in the process, received no award, and has not obtained any purchase order or payment. Instead, the service identified Bedi Investments Limited as the company lawfully selected to manufacture the uniforms after a competitive procedure grounded in public procurement law.
The controversy erupted shortly after the uniforms were unveiled by the president during a passing-out parade of recruits. Reports had suggested the tender, valued at approximately 2.8 billion shillings, went to an entity registered only two years earlier, raising questions about experience and possible preferential treatment. Police responded by stressing that the company in question never participated at any stage, was not engaged as a subcontractor, and remains entirely outside the official record. They described the circulating narratives as inaccurate and without foundation.
Officials further explained that the decision to redesign the uniforms originated well before the current tender and formed part of broader institutional reforms. A task force led by a retired chief justice had recommended the change after officers voiced dissatisfaction with the previous design during consultations. The service then collaborated with the standards body to set technical specifications before inviting established local textile manufacturers with prior experience to submit samples. Four firms competed, and Bedi Investments emerged successful under the policy of promoting domestic production.
The new attire features a sky-blue shirt, navy trousers, matching beret or hat, and black boots, with distinctive insignia on the sleeves for clear identification. For the first time, special versions accommodate pregnant and breastfeeding female officers, addressing long-standing practical needs. Officers began adopting the uniforms on Monday, with the full rollout expected across general duty ranks over the coming weeks as part of the ongoing modernisation drive.
By issuing the clarification so promptly, the police service aims to restore public confidence in a high-profile procurement that touches both operational readiness and national image. The episode underscores the intense scrutiny that accompanies large government contracts while reaffirming that established procedures and local manufacturing capacity remain central to how such awards are determined.
