President William Ruto awards recruit Constable Rose Akinyi for the best female trainee in shot during for the 46th passing-out parade of the Kenya Prisons Service Recruits at Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru on February 26, 2026.
President William Ruto has announced the third phase of salary increases for Kenya Prisons Service officers and unveiled a plan to construct 28,000 houses for them and probation officers.
The president said the salary increment will take effect on July 1, 2026, marking the final phase of the review implemented in line with the recommendations of the task force on police and prison reforms.
“Following the implementation of Phase One and Phase Two of the salary review, the entry pay for a prison constable has risen by 36 per cent, while the maximum point of the salary scale has increased by 24 per cent,” President Ruto said.
He spoke yesterday during the 46th recruits’ pass-out parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County, where 3,862 officers graduated after nine months of training.
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“This is clear evidence of the government’s sustained resolve to improve the welfare and motivation of our correctional officers,” President Ruto said, adding that improved welfare was central to professionalism and effectiveness in the disciplined services.
He said prisons officers play a critical role in national security by ensuring the safe, humane and secure custody of offenders, maintaining order within correctional facilities, and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
He added that strengthening the criminal justice system remains a key pillar of his administration’s national transformation agenda.
A section of Kenya Prisons Service Recruits during their 46th passing-out parade ceremony at Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru on February 26, 2026.
On housing, the president phase one of the programme, representing about 30 per cent of the total, is already underway and targets selected correctional facilities across the country.
“For our officers to serve effectively, they must live in dignified and secure homes befitting their service to the nation,” he said.
He also outlined a raft of reforms aimed at improving healthcare access for prisons officers and inmates. He said all staff can now access quality healthcare under the scheme administered by the Social Health Authority.
The president further announced the official handover of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital located at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru. The facility will serve prisons officers as well as the surrounding community.
On legislative reforms, President Ruto said the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is fast-tracking the finalisation of the Correctional Services Bill and policy, which he said is on course for Cabinet consideration by April.
The president urged the recruits to uphold the rule of law, maintain zero tolerance for malpractice and discharge their duties with discipline, integrity and patriotism.
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