Petition filed against Master's degree requirement for Kenya Prisons Service promotions

The petition, lodged by activist Fredrick Bikeri, argues that the directive is unfair, lacks proper justification, and was introduced without consultation or public participation.

Bikeri claims the new policy is discriminatory and violates the principles of fairness and equality in public service.

According to court documents, the majority of affected officers are unable to pursue postgraduate studies due to financial and logistical constraints while serving full-time. As a result, they are being systematically excluded from promotion opportunities.

“The affected serving officers, most of whom lack the financial or logistical ability to pursue a Master's degree while in full-time service, are being systematically excluded from upward mobility in a manner that is discriminatory and contrary to public service values,” the petition states.

Represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, Bikeri further argues that the policy creates an unjustified disparity, disadvantaging experienced, long-serving officers in favour of newer recruits who may already meet the academic threshold.

The activist is seeking court orders to bar the government from implementing the contested policy or conducting any promotion interviews based on it. He also wants the directive quashed entirely.

The court has directed Bikeri to serve the relevant documents to the respondents and appear before Justice Mugambi for further directions on May 14.