The study, conducted across 39 countries between 2021 and 2023, revealed that only 18% of Kenyans have confidence in their police force.
This dismal ranking places Kenya as third last, ahead of only Nigeria and Congo-Brazzaville, which scored 17% and 13%, respectively.
At the top of the list, Burkina Faso, Morocco, and Benin lead with the most professional police forces, scoring 68%, 64%, and 61%.
Within East Africa, Tanzania emerged as a regional leader, securing ninth place with a 53% professionalism rating—significantly higher than Kenya’s performance.
The report sheds light on systemic challenges facing the Kenyan police, including corruption, brutality, and poor training.
These issues have contributed to a lack of public trust, especially in recent months.
During the anti-Finance Bill protests in June 2024, police actions sparked widespread outrage.
Many protesters, mainly young Kenyans, faced harsh treatment, with reports of brutality and abductions.
Some of these incidents were recorded on video and widely shared, leading to calls for accountability.
In one notable case, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo publicly apologized after police officers used excessive force during demonstrations against femicide.
This further highlighted the urgent need for reforms within the force.
Corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to improving police professionalism.
The report ranks Kenya among the top 10 African countries where police are most likely to demand bribes, with 52% of respondents raising concerns.
Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone ranked even higher in this category, reflecting a broader issue across the continent.
Despite being a critical institution for maintaining law and order, the Kenyan police force continues to struggle with public perception.
A broader trend identified in the report shows that only one in three Africans trust their police forces to uphold the rule of law and maintain order.
While Kenya lags behind, North African nations recorded the highest trust levels, with 51% of respondents expressing confidence in their police. Central Africa fared the worst, with a 37% trust rating.
Addressing these issues will require Kenya to prioritize reforms in police training, accountability, and transparency to rebuild public trust.
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