On Sunday, the National Police Service said its new sky-blue uniform is being stitched locally by Bedi Investments Limited, a Nakuru-based textile maker, shutting down claims that a shadowy firm called Nalitex was behind the deal.
Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said Nalitex never submitted a sample, never won a contract, and has never been paid a shilling.
It is not just a colour change,it is about who gets to make it.
The statement matters to ordinary officers. Many had complained the old Persian blue kit was hot, faded quickly and was easy to copy in downtown markets, making it hard for citizens to tell a real officer from an impostor.
According to NPS, four Kenyan factories were asked to compete Bedi, Rivatex in Eldoret, Thika Mills and Sunflag. Only Bedi and Rivatex met the deadline.
After lab tests with KEBS and input from officers themselves, Bedi’s fabric was approved.
NPS says this was part of the Maraga reforms on welfare and dignity, not just fashion.
President Ruto unveiled the kit in Kiganjo as 6,000 recruits graduated,for Bedi’s factory workers, it means jobs.
For taxpayers, NPS insists due process under the procurement law was followed.
