Gov't moves to address disquiet among police officers over delayed pay rise

The government is seeking to calm unrest in the National Police Service (NPS) over the delayed second phase of salary increments initially expected in July 2025.

Speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama security assessment baraza in Kapsabet, Nandi County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured officers that the 10 per cent pay rise will be rolled out in phases, with the first payout due in August 2025, aligning with budgetary adjustments for the 2025/2026 financial year and recommendations by the police task force. 

He appealed for calm and patience, assuring officers that the government is finalising budget allocations and that the increment will be rolled out in the coming months.

“The entire promise that was made to the police service will be implemented. Should there be an issue with the figures, then the National Police Service can also address or the Inspector General of Police can do so," said Murkomen.

CS Murkomen clarified that the salary increment will be implemented in phases, with a 10 per cent pay rise allocated for each financial year.

“The salary increment is staggered… if it was one-off, we would have paid two years ago in full… so the plan is to pay a 10% pay rise each year," he noted.

Following a presidential directive in 2024 and the recommendations of the Maraga task force report, the basic salary for police constables at the entry level rose by Ksh.4,000—from Ksh.21,645 to Ksh.25,645. The minimum salary for the longest-serving police constable rose to Ksh.50,145 and salary increments for ranks like senior assistant IG up to Ksh.409,365.

Salary increases were also communicated for ranks like police corporals, sergeants, inspectors, and chief inspectors. Officers serving in peacekeeping missions continue to receive equivalent pay and allowances.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) also promoted 1,957 police constables between the ages of 53 and 59, who have held the same rank for over 30 years.

The NPSC approved the promotion of 31 chief inspectors, 88 inspectors, 24 senior sergeants, 98 sergeants, 319 corporals, 629 police constables, as well as 5 gazetted officers, 3 promoted to assistant inspector general of police, one to senior superintendent of police and one to the superintendent.