President William Ruto has announced a 40% salary increase for prison and security officers in the country.
This is part of the recommendations made by the Maraga-led task force in 2023.
During the swearing-in ceremony of the new Kenya Prisons Service Commissioner General Patrick Mwiti, Ruto stated that the salary increase will take effect this month, with the first installment being paid to the officers.
The task force report had recommended salary increases for officers in the National Police Service (NPS), National Youth Service (NYS), and Kenya Prisons Service.
Currently, the least paid police officer, a Constable, earns Sh32,880, while a Corporal earns Sh42,660 per month.
The Inspector General, the highest-paid officer in the Police Service, receives Sh852,241 monthly, and his senior assistant earns Sh274,890. Other ranks, from Sergeant to Commissioner of Police, earn between Sh45,000 and Sh130,000 each month.
Ruto also highlighted several reforms aimed at ensuring proper management of correctional services, including the effective continuation of the ongoing food production process at prisons and the provision of decent housing for the prison service.
He urged the new Commissioner General Mwiti to ensure that every arable piece of land under the prison service is utilized for food production.
The new prisons boss, Patrick Mwiti, has taken over from Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, who has since proceeded on terminal leave.
