Police officers and prison warders are set to receive salary increments following the government’s promise to them earlier.
Speaking at State House during a swearing-in ceremony for the new Prisons Service Commissioner General, Patrick Arandu, President Ruto assured that the increments would take effect this month.
“In line with the commitment 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 prison officers,” he said.
“Starting this month they will receive their first instalment of their increment in salaries.”
The state promised the National Police Service, National Youth Service and Kenya Police Service a salary increase by 40% over the next three years This was as per the recommendation made by a Task Force chaired by former CJ David Maraga.
Upon confirmation of the report, William Ruto directed the Salaries Remuneration Commission (SRC) to make the necessary adjustments to ensure it all comes together. The increases aim to improve service delivery across all security sectors via a morale boost.
Established in December 2022 via Gazette notice, the Taskforce was mandated to asses and recommend improvement of working and living conditions of officers whilst also recommending legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational reforms in the security sector.
The task force revealed that many police officers are paid poorly and struggling with mental health issues. Notably, it showed that some had even turned to crime as others sought to take their own lives.
In 2023, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) revealed the remuneration for officers and civilians within the service for 2021-2025. Some key highlights include Newly Recruited Constable earning Sh. 21,645 per month and officers receiving pay hikes of between Sh. 1,255 to Sh. 9,439.
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Prior to this review, officers had not received any salary increments since 2020. A long-serving constable who had been earning Sh. 38,975 monthly is now receiving Sh. 40,354. A new corporal officer takes home Sh. 27,879 monthly.
A recently promoted sergeant now earns Sh. 38,829, up from Sh. 36,450. In contrast, a long-serving sergeant receives Sh. 55,049, an increase from Sh. 53,570.
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 as detailed 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.