Being fortunate enough to secure employment in the public is a dream for many Kenyans. These jobs are known to provide several benefits such as job security, retirement benefits and health insurance.

The Kenya Prisons Service is a vital part of the country’s national security systems. The KPS falls under the State Department of Correctional Services under the Ministry of Interior.

Oftentimes when such jobs as the KPS are advertised in the local dailies, many rush to fill in their applications. It is important to understand the role of the Kenya Prisons Service first before making an application.

Roles of Kenya Prisons Service (KPS)

1. Safe custody of inmates in prison facilities
2. Rehabilitation and reformation of offenders
3. Ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates
4. Facilitation of the administration of justice
5. Facilitating court processes, including inmates safe transportation

Recruitment requirements

The KPS conducts recruitment drives annually to attract new talent and energy to the service.

The various drives seek to bring on board male and female prison constables, general cadet officers, medical cadet officers and medical technicians.

Prospective candidates are required to carry their national ID, birth certificate, KRA Pin certificate, academic certificates and other testimonials on the day of recruitment.

The recruitment process involves physical fitness tests, academic and background checks, and interviews to ensure that they select individuals who not only meet the physical requirements but also demonstrate the aptitude and values aligning with the service’s mission.

Successful candidates will undergo government-sponsored intense para-military training for a period lasting not less than 9 months.

Recruitment dates are announced to the public when scheduled, and venues are disclosed during the recruitment exercise announcements.

As a prospective applicant, it is important to know that the Kenya Prisons recruitments usually occur only in sub-counties in a few counties.

Qualifications for Prisons Constables

1. Must be a Kenyan citizen
2. Have a valid Identification card
3. Have no criminal record
4. Have a KCSE minimum grade of D+ and above or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
5. Be between the ages of 18-28 years for secondary school leavers
6. Be at least 5 feet 4 inches tall for men and 5 feet 2 inches tall for women
7. Be physically and medically fit
8. Must have good hearing and clear vision
9. Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of training and during the entire training period.

Qualifications for General Cadets, Medical Cadet Officers and Medical Technicians

1. Meet most requirements of prison constables
2. Be between the ages of 18-30 for diploma/certificate holders OR
3. Be between the ages of 18-30 for degree holders OR
4. Be between the ages of 18-32 for medical consultants

Requirements to join NIS with certificate, diploma or degree

Academic/Technical Qualifications:

For Medical Practitioners

1. A minimum mean grade of C+ at KCSE
2. An undergraduate/postgraduate degree from a recognized institution of higher learning
3. Registered with the relevant bodies

For General Cadets

1. A minimum mean grade of C+ at KCSE
2. A relevant undergraduate degree from a recognized institution of higher learning

For Medical Technicians

1. A minimum mean grade of C (plain) at KCSE or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
2. Posses a relevant diploma/certificate from a recognized institution and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies

Application Procedures for Cadet Officers

There are 2 ways to go about the Kenya Prisons Application. The first is through the Kenya Prisons Career Portal.

Offline Application

1. Visit the Kenya Prisons Service or the Public Service Commission website to download the PSC.2 Revised 2016 application form
2. Fill in all required details & submit all documents
3. Afterwards, submit your application addressed to

The Commissioner-General of Prisons

Prisons Headquarters

P.O. Box 30175-00100

Nairobi

Online Applications

1. Visit the Kenya Prisons website
2. Navigate to the vacancies section
3. Select the job position that you wish to apply for, if any
4. Provide relevant information as required
5. Submit your application form

Salaries

In Kenya Prisons, the lowest rank is Constable, reportedly earning Sh. 16,890, while the highest-ranking officer is the Commissioner General of Prisons, earning well above Sh. 166,780, the salary for the Deputy Commissioner General.