Kenya Announces Plan for 40% Salary Increase for Police and Prison Officers Over Three Years
President William Ruto has revealed that the salaries of Kenyan police and prison officers will be increased by 40 per cent over the next three years, as recommended by a comprehensive review of the country’s security sector.
The purpose of the salary increase is to boost the morale of law enforcement officers and improve overall security. The recommendation stems from the findings of a task force assigned to find ways to enhance policing in Kenya.
While the Kenyan police have come under fire for incidents of brutality and bribery, there have also been concerns about their welfare. Low pay has forced some officers to resort to criminal activity, and suicides have become a serious problem, highlighting mental health challenges within the force.
Previous efforts to raise police salaries have not significantly changed public perception of law enforcement in Kenya.
President Ruto expressed confidence in the well-considered recommendation of a 40 per cent salary increase over three years and said adjustments would be made through the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to implement the decision.
Apart from addressing the wage issue, President Ruto pledged to tackle corruption in the police service. The proposed salary increase, among other reforms, is expected to address challenges identified by the task force, including underfunding, lack of leadership, structural weaknesses, and corruption.
Established in December under the leadership of former Chief Justice David Maraga, the task force was tasked with investigating and reforming the working and living conditions of police, prison and National Youth Service (NYS) officers, among other reforms. He was tasked with suggesting improvements.
The task force recommended raising the minimum age for joining the police force to 21 and raising the minimum education requirement of a C-minus grade in the National Secondary School Examination. He also called for better medical and housing allowances, reduction of prison overcrowding, and expansion of the NYS.
President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to implement all recommendations but warned that some changes may take time due to the necessary legal and policy amendments.