MPs Demand Reinstatement of Pregnant Police Recruits Dismissed from Kiganjo Training College.

Members of Parliament are demanding the reinstatement of 18 female police recruits who were dismissed from the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo in May after they were found to be pregnant.

The lawmakers want the recruits to be allowed to resume their training after giving birth, arguing that the decision to expel them was discriminatory and unfair.

They contend that while the pregnant recruits were dismissed from the training programme, the male recruits responsible for the pregnancies were allowed to continue with their training without facing any disciplinary action.

Makueni Woman Representative Suzanne Kiamba told Parliament that the dismissal violated Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination, including equal treatment of women and men.

She said the move has raised serious concerns about compliance with the Constitution, labour laws, and the principles of fair administrative action.

“The decision has sparked concerns over adherence to the Constitution, employment laws and the principles of fair administrative justice,” Kiamba told the House.

The matter has now been referred to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, for investigation.

The committee is expected to examine the legal basis for dismissing the recruits, determine whether they were accorded due process and given an opportunity to defend themselves, and assess the measures being taken to facilitate their return to training after childbirth.

Lawmakers also want the committee to establish whether the disciplinary action complied with constitutional provisions on equality, human rights and fair labour practices.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi questioned why only the women were punished, describing the decision as selective and discriminatory.

“You cannot dismiss only the woman. What about the man who made her pregnant?” Elachi asked, urging authorities to apply disciplinary measures fairly and equally.

The committee is expected to table its findings and recommendations before Parliament, including whether the dismissed recruits should be reinstated and whether changes are needed to police training policies to ensure they comply with constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination.