Kenyan police ban female officers from wearing “flashy hairstyles”, hijabs on duty
London, Dec. 28, 2019 (AltAfrica)-wearing of flashy hairstyles and colourful hijabs by Kenyan female officers while on duty will no longer be be tolerated by the police authorities as such is regarded as distraction and a violation of dress code
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They have therefore been warned to henceforth desist from doing so on duty or while wearing police uniform or face sanctions
In a move to enforce the dress code, the National Police Service has released a circular asking all female officers who have made fancy hairstyles to remove them.
In a circular signed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Edward Mbugua and dated December 20, 2019, all female police officers have been directed to get rid of overdone flashy hairstyles by January 1, 2020.
“There is dire need to recognise that the police uniform is a symbol of authority and should be accorded the respect it deserves. As from January 1, 2020 these overdone hairstyles will not be accepted,”Mbugua said.
Mbugua said some exaggerated weaves, styles, and over-colored hairdos are a violation of police dress code as they have made it hard for the officers to put on peaked or berets, saying “I observed with dismay exaggerated weaves and styles and over-coloured hairdos. Some officers could not even put on peaked caps or berets.”
The circular also reminds Muslim police officers that a thin black scarf is acceptable dress code, directing them to do away with coloured hijabs.
“During my official tour around the country in the last one week I have observed with a lot of concern that officers of all ranks have flawed the service’s dress code especially women hairstyles while in uniform,” Mr. Mbugua said.
Mbugua has directed all regional commanders to ensure the dress code is strictly adhered to. “There is dire need to recognise that the police uniform is a symbol of authority and should be accorded the respect it deserves. As from January 1, 2020 these overdone hairstyles will not be accepted, Mbugua added.
