President William Ruto has announced a significant salary increase for officers in the Kenya Prisons Service, with entry-level prison constables receiving a 36 percent pay rise and the top salary scale going up by 24 percent, effective July 1, 2026.
The President made the announcement during a meeting with senior officers of the Kenya Prisons Service and the Kenya Correctional Services at State House, Nairobi, on February 23, 2026. He described the adjustment as part of a broader commitment to improve the welfare of uniformed services personnel who play a critical role in maintaining law and order, rehabilitation and national security.
“Prison constables and correctional officers work under very challenging conditions, often away from their families and in difficult environments,” Ruto said. “They deserve fair and competitive remuneration that reflects the risks they take and the responsibilities they carry. That is why we have approved a 36 percent increase for the lowest-paid constables and a 24 percent rise for those at the top of the scale, effective from July 1 this year.”
The salary adjustment will affect thousands of officers across various ranks in the Kenya Prisons Service and the Kenya Correctional Services. Entry-level constables, who currently earn a basic salary in the range of KSh 25,000–30,000 per month depending on allowances, stand to gain the largest proportional increase. Senior officers at the top scale will see more modest percentage gains but higher absolute amounts due to their existing pay levels.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who accompanied the President, said the increase is part of a phased remuneration review for disciplined services. “This is not a one-off gesture,” Kindiki said. “It is the beginning of structured, sustainable improvements in pay and conditions across the security sector. We are working with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to ensure equity and fiscal responsibility.”
The President also used the occasion to highlight recent investments in the correctional system, including modernisation of facilities, staff training programmes and improved rehabilitation initiatives for inmates. He pledged continued support for the service to enhance its capacity to deliver on both punishment and reform objectives.
The announcement has been welcomed by the Kenya Prisons and Correctional Services Officers Union. Union Secretary-General Samuel Oroko said: “This is a long-overdue recognition of the work our members do under difficult circumstances. The 36 percent entry-level increase will make a real difference for junior officers who are often the lowest paid in the disciplined services. We appreciate the President’s commitment and hope the July implementation date will be honoured.”
However, some critics have questioned the timing and fiscal implications of the raise amid ongoing budget constraints. Opposition voices have argued that similar salary reviews should be extended to teachers, nurses and other essential workers who have also raised concerns about remuneration. A senior economist noted: “While improving pay for prison officers is important, the government must balance these increases with the overall wage bill and debt sustainability. Selective raises can create resentment among other public servants.”
The salary adjustment is expected to be funded through the 2026/27 budget estimates, with the Treasury already factoring in wage bill pressures across the public sector. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission is expected to gazette the new pay structure in the coming months to make it legally binding.
President Ruto concluded by urging the officers to continue serving with professionalism and integrity. “You are the guardians of both punishment and redemption in our justice system,” he said. “As we improve your welfare, we expect even higher standards of discipline, humanity and efficiency in your work. Together we will build a correctional service that Kenyans can be proud of.”
The move is part of a wider effort by the government to address morale and retention challenges in the disciplined services, following earlier salary reviews for police officers and military personnel. Implementation is scheduled to coincide with the new financial year starting July 1, 2026.
