Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has spoken out strongly against the lack of maternity uniforms for women serving in Kenya’s uniformed and administrative sectors, calling the situation both unfair and undignified.
Murkomen noted that expectant officers—including chiefs, assistant county commissioners, county commissioners, and police officers—are often forced to either proceed on leave or wear civilian clothing during pregnancy because no official maternity attire has been provided for them.
“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 said.
The CS directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately oversee the development of maternity uniforms tailored for pregnant officers. His directive follows concerns raised by a chief, who revealed that many women in uniform lose their sense of identity and belonging while on duty during pregnancy.
Murkomen stressed that the government must foster inclusivity in all institutions and support women at every stage of life. He pointed out that most female officers are in their family-building years and deserve recognition and accommodation rather than discrimination.
“If you say there will be no maternity dress, why? These officers are employees of the state, and motherhood is part of life,” he emphasized.
The CS described the absence of maternity uniforms as a policy gap that not only strips women of dignity but also undermines workplace fairness. He called for urgency in addressing the matter to ensure that women in uniform are able to serve with confidence and professional pride even during pregnancy.
By directing the police leadership to act swiftly, Murkomen has placed the issue at the center of the national conversation on inclusivity, fairness, and respect for women serving in Kenya’s disciplined and administrative services.
