President William Ruto has confirmed that police and prison officers will receive their long-awaited salary increases at the end of this month.
This announcement 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.
Arandu succeeds Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, who is set to retire. In his address, President Ruto emphasised the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to enhance the salaries of the police and prison officers despite the current financial constraints faced by 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 pledge follows a promise made in 2023 to increase 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 promise came on the back of recommendations from a task force on police reforms, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Ruto acknowledged that the salary increase is crucial for restoring integrity, efficiency, and accountability within the security forces. He noted that the morale boost from the salary hike would significantly enhance security across the country. The task force highlighted that many officers, poorly paid and struggling with mental health issues, have even turned to crime, with some tragically taking their own lives.
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) in August 2023, unveiled the third remuneration review cycle for officers and civilians within the service. A newly recruited constable’s monthly salary, currently at Ksh21,645, will rise to over Ksh30,000 with the 40 per cent increase. Similarly, a long-serving constable will see their salary increase from Ksh40,354 to Ksh56,495, while a newly promoted corporal will earn Ksh38,560, up from Ksh27,879.
A sergeant officer currently earning Ksh38,829 will now take home Ksh54,360, and a long-serving sergeant will see their salary increase from Ksh55,049 to Ksh77,068. The salary hike will also apply to prison officers and NYS personnel, aiming to enhance service delivery within the security sector.
Despite previous attempts to improve their pay, the perception of the police force among Kenyans has remained largely unchanged. The President’s latest announcement aims to change that narrative, particularly as Kenya faces a cost-of-living crisis with 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 addressed the pervasive issue of corruption within the police service, promising firm measures to combat it. He asserted that the salary increase and other proposed reforms would address the problems of underfunding, leadership deficiencies, structural weaknesses, and corruption identified 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 increased the salaries of state officers. He reiterated the need for all arms of government to live within their means, particularly in light of the fiscal constraints expected this financial year.
