The government is rolling out a series of reforms to improve the pay, housing and healthcare of prison officers as part of a wider plan to modernise the Kenya Prisons Service.
President William Ruto said the reforms are aimed at addressing years of neglect within the correctional service while improving the working and living conditions of officers.
The President’s remarks were delivered by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday during the 27th Pass-Out Parade for Kenya Prisons Service cadets at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
Ruto said the government had already implemented two phases of a salary review, resulting in significant increases for prison officers.
Salary review raises prison officers’ pay
According to the President, the first two phases of the salary review increased the remuneration of an entry-level prison constable by more than 36 per cent.
The maximum point on the salary scale also increased by about 24 per cent, he said.
The third phase of the salary review took effect on July 1, 2026, marking the latest step in the government’s effort to improve the welfare of correctional officers.
Ruto said better pay was necessary to motivate officers and strengthen the effectiveness of the correctional system.
Government plans 28,000 prison housing units
Housing is another major component of the government’s welfare programme for prison officers.
The Kenya Prisons Service is set to receive 28,000 housing units under the Affordable Housing Programme.
Of the planned units, 9,000 will be procured through public-private partnerships, according to Ruto.
The government says the housing programme will help address difficult living conditions among prison officers while improving their welfare and working environment.
Prison officers enrolled in SHA healthcare cover
The government has also enrolled prison officers under the Usalama Cover, provided through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The cover is intended to improve access to healthcare for officers and their families.
Kindiki also officially opened the 150-bed Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Referral Hospital at the Prisons Staff Training College.
The facility will provide specialised healthcare to prison officers and their families, inmates and residents of surrounding communities.
New vehicles to strengthen prison service
The government is also investing in the operational capacity of the Kenya Prisons Service.
Under Phase VII of the Government Motor Vehicle Leasing Programme, the service has acquired 41 vehicles.
The government also plans additional investment in electric vehicles as it seeks to modernise the service and improve mobility.
Ruto said better equipment and infrastructure were necessary as the correctional system responds to increasingly complex forms of crime.
Government targets modern correctional service
The President said prison officers must be equipped with new skills and technology to deal with threats such as radicalisation, organised crime, cybercrime and human trafficking.
He challenged the Kenya Prisons Service to accelerate the adoption of technology and strengthen the skills of its officers.
Ruto said the government could not expect officers to deliver a modern correctional service while working with outdated equipment, inadequate infrastructure and difficult living conditions.
The reforms are therefore intended to combine improved welfare with modernisation of the correctional system.
New officers urged to uphold dignity of inmates
Addressing the newly passed-out officers, Ruto urged them to maintain professionalism, discipline and integrity as they begin their careers.
He reminded them that their role involves the custody and rehabilitation of people deprived of their liberty while protecting their dignity and human rights.
The government says the broader reforms are aimed at creating a better-equipped and more professional Kenya Prisons Service capable of protecting public safety while supporting the rehabilitation of inmates.
The measures bring together salary increases, healthcare coverage, housing, new equipment and staff training, reflecting the government’s broader plan to improve the welfare and operational capacity of prison officers.
