By Nyaboga Kiage,
The National Police Service has for the second time in four months cautioned officers against breaching their prescribed dress code.
In a circular dated November 20, 2020, Deputy Inspector General of Police Edward Mbugua said that he had observed with a lot of concern that uniformed female officers are wearing their hair in unacceptable styles.
This comes just four months after Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai warned officers against disregarding the dress code of the service.
In a letter dated August 4, 2020, and titled ‘Dress Code Regulations’, IG Mutyambai also asked officers to observe high etiquette even on social media.
Mr Mbugua in the most recent circular issued a number of regulations which he said should be followed by female officers without fail.
“I draw your attention on service standing orders Chapter 11 dress-code regulations which stipulates clearly on how officers should wear their hair,” he said.
The dress-code demands that; female officers shall style their hair so that it does not extend beyond the collar of their blouse, hair shall not interfere with wearing of all official headgear and may not fall over the ears or on the forehead below the head, and hair shall not be dyed inconspicuously unnatural colors and where accessories are used to secure the hair, they shall be plain in design and of a color that blends with the hair.
In his circular, Mr Mbugua also said that female officers using make-up shall be subtle, discreet and only natural and clear polish may be used, nail extension shall not be permitted and tattoos shall be covered and not visible to anyone.
He further warned commanders who he said had neglected supervision of junior officers saying that he will hold them responsible in case their juniors fail to adhere to the said regulations.
