Female police officers in Kenya have been asked not to make fancy hairstyles this festive season as it is against the dress code ethics of the force.
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.
The circular stressed that the National Police Service is keen to ensure that all officers strictly observe the set dress code. This police service in the country has also continued to roll out new police uniforms.
In a circular from Vigilance House earlier this week, all regional police commanders have been tasked with ensuring that the dress code is respected.
The circular, signed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Edward Mbugua, raises concerns over policewomen spotting flashy and colorful hairdos while in uniform, terming it as a violation of the Kenya Police dress code.
DIG Mbugua says in the communication dated December 20, 2019, that the 'overdone' hairstyles are a violation of the service regulations.
He terms the flashy weaves and hairstyles as disrespect to the police uniform.
"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.
The police boss claims that some exaggerated hairstyles and weaves have made it impossible for the officers to put on their official hats and berets while on duty.
"I observed with dismay exaggerated weaves and styles and over-colored hairdos. Some officers could not even put on peaked caps or berets," the police boss noted.
At the same time, the DIG has raised concerns over colored hijabs for Muslims, directing that they maintain a thin black scarf as per the service code.
"I have also observed that the headdress for Muslims has been changed from the earlier agreed upon thin black scarf to colored ones," he said.
The DIG has hence directed that female officers get rid of the overdone flashy hairstyles by January 1, 2020.
"There is dire need to recognize 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," Mr. Mbugua affirmed.
Some critics have however questioned the directive saying the female officers should not be deprived of making hairstyles of their choices this festive season.
Header Image Credit: Kenyans.co.ke