Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has thrown his weight behind calls for the introduction of maternity uniforms for expectant female officers and administrators.Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Busia, Murkomen described the lack of maternity uniforms as “unacceptable” and directed the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to urgently consider designing proper attire for expectant officers. Murkomen said it was regrettable that women in uniform are forced to either proceed on leave or wear civilian clothes during pregnancy because the state has not provided them with suitable uniforms.
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,
Kipchumba MurkomenThe CS was responding to an appeal from a chief attending the meeting, who lamented that expectant officers are often treated as civilians due to lack of proper attire.
Fairness, Dignity and Gender Balance
According to Murkomen, addressing the issue is part of ensuring fairness, dignity, and gender balance in the security sector. He explained that since most women join the service in their late teens or early twenties, it is only natural that many would have children during their careers. He went ahead to state that female officers are employees of the state, and motherhood is part of life. Therefore the government must address the issue of maternity uniforms so as to balance the issues of fairness and dignity.
Part of Nationwide Security Forums
Hon Murkomen who is currently in the Western region as part of the ongoing nationwide Jukwaa la Usalama forums made it aware that these engagements with the people are aimed at:
- Assessing the security situation on the ground.
- Engaging leaders, security teams, NGAOs, and peace committees on strategies to enhance peace and cohesion.
- Gathering feedback from residents on the quality of service delivery.
- Interacting with frontline security personnel.
- Conducting spot checks on mobile ID registration exercises
