In 2018, President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled the new uniform for the police force.
The president declared during the National Police Summit that the new uniforms will aid in recognizing police officers.
The new uniforms are navy blue with the word “POLICE” on the side of the arms and the blue, yellow, and red stripes of the police department. Uhuru amalgamated the Regular Police and the Administration Police (AP) into a new organization known as the General Duty Officers, along with the new uniforms (GD).
The new unit comprise of 64,252 officers under the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) with the aim of enhancing security in the country.
The General Duty officers was tasked with border security and combating cattle rustling.
President Kenyatta unveils the new police uniforms, for better visibility. pic.twitter.com/UWuH8E7xlt
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) September 13, 2018
“Wale ambao walikuwa wanafikiria AP hawezi kuwafunga mtaanza kuona AP anakufunga na anakupeleka kortini (Those who thought that the Adminstration Police officers could not arrest you will be shocked to see them arrest you and take you to court),” stated President Uhuru.
So why did they choose blue and not other colors?
Explaining the switch, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that it was to make police “more visible.”
According to The Western Journal, there are several other reasons why police officers around the world are generally in blue.
New York City Police Department.
The original reason was the establishment of the New York City Police Department in 1845.
The department based its uniforms on the London Police Force. The British counterparts were trying to distinguish themselves from the British military which wore red.
It has been replicated worldwide ever since.
Physical engaging activities.
It is generally known that blue conceals stains.
What better colour for the men and women who on a daily basis engage in activities that are staining and strenuous when combating crime or in service of the public.
Concealment.
The blue is just not a colour identity patch. It also serves a crucial role when it comes to concealing officers making them harder to spot at night.
They can’t be easily spotted by criminals. The first element of surprise lies there ladies and gentlemen.
Psychology
According to a study that was done at the University of Georgia; Colour-emotion associations: Past Experience and Personal Preference, the colour blue evokes feelings of comfort.
It details that it is a good choice for people who are in a position of authority, such as police officers in this matter, to wear.
It subconsciously elicits feelings of security.
