Idris Kiprop, who has tried for eight straight years to join the National Police Service, was disqualified because he did not meet the required height.
His emotional appeal and firm voice highlighted the struggles many young Kenyans face in their search for employment.
Kiprop arrived at the recruitment centre full of hope. He carried his documents, his training records, and his confidence. He believed his time had finally come.
However, once officers measured him, he was asked to step aside. According to the recruitment team, he was too short for the force. That single reason ended his dream before he could even take part in the physical exercises.
In a video shared widely online, Kiprop expressed his disappointment with great emotion. He questioned why height should determine whether someone can serve the nation.
He argued that short people can still run, reason, and protect citizens with equal strength and dedication.
He said many roles in the service require courage, discipline, and intelligence, not just physical size.
His words touched many viewers because they came from years of frustration and hardship.
Kiprop explained that his rejection was not new. For eight years, he has faced the same barrier. Instead of giving up, he tried to improve himself.
After his early rejections, he joined the National Youth Service, where he completed his training successfully. He helped in nation-building work, gained discipline, and even pursued ICT studies to increase his chances of employment.
Still, when he returned to the police recruitment line, he faced the same outcome.
He also shared that he comes from a poor family. Finding stable employment is not only about achieving a dream but also about helping his household survive.
He hoped that joining the police would give him a secure future, a salary, and a chance to support his relatives. Being turned away repeatedly has left him feeling unwanted and discouraged.
Kiprop directed his appeal to President William Ruto, asking him to review the height rules. He said many people already employed in various government departments are shorter than him.
He questioned why the same standard is applied differently at different levels of public service. He asked the president to give him a chance, even saying he would gladly serve as the president’s personal guard if offered the opportunity.
His story sparked mixed reactions. Some people sympathised with him, saying the rules should be updated to reflect modern needs.
They argued that policing now requires more technology, intelligence work, and community engagement than physical strength alone.
Others defended the height requirement, saying it is important for uniformity, fieldwork, and commanding presence during operations.
The debate comes at a time when thousands of youths across the country are lining up for recruitment.
Many are battling poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities. Kiprop’s public plea reflects the struggle of many young Kenyans who feel blocked by rules they cannot control.
The police recruitment exercise resumed recently after a court lifted a previous suspension.
The process has drawn huge crowds, as many see it as one of the few available opportunities for stable employment.
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