Police officers get between Ksh.4K and Ksh.21K as pay hike takes effect

Police officers in the country can now smile to the bank after receiving a pay rise of between Ksh.4,000 and Ksh.21,000 depending on the rank.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC), which communicated the decision on Thursday, has also effected the promotion of over 3,000 police officers, with 1,957 police constables who have stagnated in the position for over 30 years benefiting.

This means that an officer who joins the police service will earn Ksh.25,645, up from Ksh.21,645. With the increment, the longest-serving police constables will take home between Ksh.50,145 to Ksh.69,640.

Police corporals will also reap the benefits with a new salary of between Ksh.57,915 and Ksh.83,445.

For those in the rank of sergeant, the new salary will range between Ksh.69,115 and Ksh.87,435.

Inspectors and Chief Inspectors will now earn between Ksh.89,405 and Ksh.118,815. A commissioner of police will also smile all the way to the bank with a salary ranging between Ksh.134,815 and Ksh.169,835.

NPSC Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia said: "Senior Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs) will receive a salary increment of Ksh.21,000, being the senior-most ranks, as they are not state officers like the Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs)."

The salary review also came with good news for over 3,000 police officers who received promotions. Among those promoted are 1,957 police constables aged 53-59 years who, for over 30 years, have never been promoted despite having a good record.

Mr. Kinuthia however noted that, "These promotions, some of them, have no financial implications."

With reports of delayed payment of salaries and allowances to police officers in Haiti, the commission said the officers have received their pay and allowances as agreed.

The commission also urged Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to temporarily halt promotions until the appointment of Douglas Kanja as the substantive Inspector General.

Mr. Kinuthia noted: "If you're acting for at most 90 days, there are some decisions even you know have limitations, because if you reorganize the entire command and you're not the one to use the command, then what will happen to the one who comes after you?"

The salary review has, however, been effected at a time when Kenyans have raised concerns over police excesses, especially during the anti-government protests, where over 60 people were killed and scores of others abducted in police operations.