President Ruto: Gov't improving prison officers welfare through improved salaries, healthcare and better houses

The Head of State said the administration is rolling out highly transformative policies entailing improved salaries, provision of better healthcare and dignified houses in a bid to make correctional services better working places for the officers.

In a speech read on his behalf 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, the President revealed that the officers’ salaries have already been raised in phases I and II of recent salary reviews.

“Following Phase I and II of the salary review, entry-level remuneration for a prison constable rose by more than 36 per cent, while the maximum point on the salary scale increased by approximately 24 per cent. Phase III took effect on 1 July 2026, further demonstrating our commitment to the welfare and motivation of our correctional officers,” he said.

To ensure they get access to better healthcare, the President noted, the officers have been placed under the Usalama Cover being provided by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In furtherance of accessible healthcare, the DP, on Monday on behalf of the President, opened the 150-bed Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Referral Hospital situated at the Prisons Staff Training College. The facility will be accessible to the officers, their families, inmates and surrounding communities.

Additionally, the Prison Service is set to benefit from 28,000 units under the Affordable Housing Programme, including 9,000 to be procured through public-private partnerships.

For better mobility, under Phase VII of the Government Motor Vehicle Leasing Programme, 41 vehicles have been acquired to expand the service’s operational fleet, with further investment in electric vehicles to follow.

At the same time, he asked the Prisons to hasten adoption of modern technologies to keep pace with the demands of a correctional service in a sophisticated world.

The President said the challenges the world is posing owing to advanced technologies and crimes must be handled by a service that is ahead of the present demands in order to be effective and reliable.

“Radicalisation, organised crime, cybercrime and trafficking demand new knowledge, new capabilities and new tools. A correctional service that does not modernise cannot keep pace with the threats it exists to contain,” he stated.

Further, the Head of State said the government is purposefully investing in this endeavor urging Kenya Prison officers to enhance their skills.

“The Government has continued to invest in the modernisation of the Kenya Prisons Service. We cannot demand a modern correctional service from officers working with outdated tools, inadequate infrastructure and difficult living conditions,” he said.

He also challenged the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their service to the nation.  

“A prison sentence takes away liberty. It does not take away human dignity. You must therefore be firm without being cruel; vigilant without becoming abusive; disciplined without becoming indifferent; and authoritative without becoming arbitrary,” he said.