The Ministry of Interior has released a statement detailing the implementation of the proposal to improve the terms and conditions of service for the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons and National Youth Service.
In the report, the Kithure Kindiki-led ministry confirmed that all the police officers, beginning July 1, had received a salary raise as directed by President William Ruto.
The raise is being implemented in phases and in the first phase, uniformed officers received a basic salary increase of 40% for constables. The percentage gradually decreased for higher ranks, down to a 3% increase for senior officers.
Beginning in September 2024, officers within the Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service (NYS) will also begin receiving the increased pay.
"The reform process is set to take four years, from 2024 to 2028, guided by a strategic framework that focuses on four core areas that is leadership within the three services, oversight and accountability, institutional capacity development and human resource management, and operational preparedness and logistical capability," read the statement in part.As earlier reported, Ruto said the increase is in line with his government’s commitment to improving the welfare of security officers.
However, following the increase, the head of state said he and other Kenyans will have greater expectations of service delivery from the officers.
It is worth noting that in 2023, a task force led by former Chief Justice David Maraga recommended to Ruto an increase in police salaries by 40% over three years.
The task force was established on December 21, 2022, to, among other duties, evaluate and recommend improvements to police officers’ working and living conditions.
While swearing in Prisons Service Commissioner General Patrick Mwiti Arandu at State House, Ruto expressed confidence in his ability to lead the planned transformation of the prison service.
He asked Arandu to ensure that arable land within the prison service is cultivated for food production to be supplied to the institutions and support the country.
To improve the officers’ living conditions, the president announced that the prisons and the State Department of Housing will work together to build decent housing for them.