Police officers in Kenya are buying their uniforms from civilian tailors, a report has said.
Local reports said the development follows a government order that the law enforcement officers wear new-look uniforms despite lack of supplies.
The police officers were reportedly told to wear the new uniforms starting on Monday.
Some officers who reported to work in the old uniform were turned back, local media reports said.
The National Police Service and the interior ministry have not responded to the reports.
Some police officers said that they had not been issued with the new-look uniforms, but were directed to civilian tailors who charge up to 5,000 Kenyan shillings ($50; £40) for a pair.
Some officers have opted to stay at home following the new directive because they lack funds to purchase the uniforms.
The new persian blue uniforms were launched in 2018 as part of police reforms
PRESIDENT KENYATTA announces major national police service reform which among other issues abolishes OCPD position, Introduces Ward Commanders and creates new uniforms for general duty police, housing allowances. AP unit to focus on border control; Kenya Police on public safety pic.twitter.com/VFjjXB4ZPx
— Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) (@CofekRebranded) September 13, 2018
Last Friday, regional commander Rashid Yakub warned of disciplinary action against officers who report to work in the old attire.
“All officers must be in the new medium blue uniform, except for the formed-up units who have their own order of dressing. In addition, all officers are cautioned against mixing uniforms or wearing non-uniform items alongside the uniform. Failure to comply with these instructions will attract serious disciplinary action,” the directive stated.
