The government is poised to honor its commitment to increase salaries for prison officers and police personnel, starting this month.
This follows the allocation of sh. 3.5 billion under the newly passed Supplementary Appropriations Act, 2024.
President Ruto, who enacted the law, confirmed that these funds will specifically improve the conditions and remuneration of security officers.
A State House announcement revealed that this funding aligns with the recommendations of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, led by Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga.
The objective is to enhance the dignity and living standards of security personnel.
Police officers had not received a salary boost since 2020.
A recent letter from Head of Civil Service Felix Koskei to the Treasury Principal Secretary and the Public Service indicated that salary adjustments would begin on July 1.
President William Ruto reiterated last month that the salary increase would take effect from this month, with the adjustments appearing in the July payroll.
In addition to police and prison services, the National Youth Service will also benefit from these salary adjustments. Previous attempts to implement the Maraga taskforce’s recommendations were hampered by budget limitations.
Initially, the National Police Service had requested sh. 15 billion for the taskforce’s recommendations, but this amount was trimmed in the budget.
NPS accounting officer Bernice Lemedeket urged for more funding to improve police performance, which has been challenged by financial constraints.
The Maraga led taskforce, appointed by Ruto in December 2022, proposed a 40% salary increase for police officers over the next three years.
For example, an officer currently earning sh. 15,000 would see an increase of sh. 6,000.
The taskforce also recommended new allowances for non-uniformed NPS staff and called for more investment in police modernization, including new equipment, upgraded infrastructure at training colleges, and improved police stations.
