President William Ruto has announced that police and prison officers will receive their long-awaited salary increases by the end of this month.
This statement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, July 24. Patric Mwiti Arandu is set to take over from Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, who is retiring.
President Ruto underscored the government’s dedication to fulfilling its promise of salary enhancements for the police and prison officers, despite the current financial challenges facing the administration.
“As a commitment that I made to our men in uniform, from this month, we will be living up to our commitment to enhance the salaries of our policemen and our prison officers,” Ruto declared.
The President’s commitment follows a 2023 promise to raise the salaries of officers in the National Police Service (NPS), National Youth Service (NYS), and Kenya Prisons Service by 40 per cent over the next three years. This pledge was made in response to recommendations from a police reform task force led by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
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Ruto emphasized that the salary increase is vital for restoring integrity, efficiency, and accountability within the security forces. He mentioned that the morale boost from the salary hike would greatly improve security nationwide. The task force noted that many officers, poorly paid and grappling with mental health issues, have even resorted to crime, with some tragically taking their own lives.
In August 2023, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) introduced the third remuneration review cycle for officers and civilians within the service. With the 40 per cent increase, a newly recruited constable’s monthly salary will rise from the current Ksh21,645 to over Ksh30,000. A long-serving constable will see their salary increase from Ksh40,354 to Ksh56,495, and a newly promoted corporal will earn Ksh38,560, up from Ksh27,879.
A sergeant currently earning Ksh38,829 will see their salary rise to Ksh54,360, while a long-serving sergeant’s pay will increase from Ksh55,049 to Ksh77,068. This salary hike will also benefit prison officers and NYS personnel, aiming to improve service delivery in the security sector.
Despite previous efforts to enhance their pay, public perception of the police force among Kenyans has largely remained the same. The President’s latest announcement seeks to change this narrative, especially as Kenya grapples with a cost-of-living crisis due to increased taxes and charges.
“The review of the terms and conditions of service for our men and women in uniform will enhance their morale and transform our security. It will increase our capacity to protect Kenyans,” Ruto stated.
He further assured that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) would soon make the necessary adjustments to implement the decision.
Ruto also tackled the widespread issue of corruption within the police service, pledging strong measures to combat it. He stated that the salary increase and other proposed reforms would address the problems of underfunding, leadership deficiencies, structural weaknesses, and corruption highlighted by the Maraga-led task force.
The President’s announcement follows his recent directive to the National Treasury to review the gazette notice by the SRC that raised the salaries of state officers. He emphasized the need for all branches of government to live within their means, especially given the fiscal constraints anticipated this financial year.
