- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the urgent creation of maternity uniforms for women in uniformed services.
- He said expectant officers are often forced into civilian clothes or leave, undermining professionalism.
- Inspector General Douglas Kanja has been tasked with developing suitable maternity attire.
- The move follows complaints from a local chief highlighting the challenges faced by pregnant officers.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concerns over the lack of maternity uniforms for women in Kenya’s security and administrative sectors. He said the situation strips expectant officers of their dignity and professional identity.
“I was shocked to learn that female officers, whether chiefs, assistant county commissioners, county commissioners or police officers, do not have maternity uniforms. When they become expectant, they are told to go on leave or wear civilian clothes. That is unacceptable,” Murkomen stated.
Murkomen has directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to oversee the immediate development of uniforms tailored for pregnant officers. His order follows concerns raised by a chief who revealed that many expectant officers face identity challenges at work due to the absence of maternity attire.
The CS stressed that government institutions must uphold fairness and inclusivity at the workplace. He added that most women serving in uniformed forces are in family-building stages of life and should be supported rather than sidelined.
“If you say there will be no maternity dress, why? These officers are employees of the state, and motherhood is part of life,” he emphasised.
Murkomen said the matter must be addressed urgently to balance fairness and preserve the dignity of women in uniform.
