Police salary increments revealed

By Robert Mutasi 

Police officers  affirmed that they will receive their salary increments at the end of this month. 

President William Ruto assured that security officers including prison officers will benefit from the increment. 

Despite the current financial challenges the administration is facing, President Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to keeping its promise to raise the salaries of police and prison officers. 

"From this month on, we will be honoring our pledge to raise the pay of our police officers and prison officers, as I promised our men in uniform," indicated Ruto.

The National Police Service (NPS), National Youth Service (NYS), and Kenya Prisons Service agreed to raise officer salaries by 40% over the next three years, and this commitment was followed by the President's 2023 pledge.

 This pledge was made in response to suggestions made by a task force on police reforms under the direction of the late Chief Justice David Maraga.

He claimed that the pay rise will spur officers to put in extra effort to improve security throughout the nation. 

The task force claimed that low pay for many officers contributes to mental health problems, criminal activity, and suicides. 

In August 2023, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) revealed the third cycle of pay reviews for both officers and civilian employees. 

The 40% increase will result in a newly recruited constable's monthly salary—which is currently Ksh21,645—rising to over Ksh30,000. 

A newly promoted corporal will receive Ksh38,560, up from Ksh27,879. In a similar vein, a long-serving constable will see an increase in pay from Ksh40,354 to Ksh56,495.

The pay increase for a sergeant officer who has been serving for a long time is Ksh77,068; previously earning Ksh38,829, the officer will now receive Ksh54,360. Aiming to improve service delivery within the security sector, the pay increase will also apply to NYS employees and prison guards.

"Our security will change and our men and women in uniform's morale will rise as the terms and conditions of their employment are reviewed. We will be better able to defend Kenyans as a result," Ruto said. 

The President made this announcement in response to his recent order for the National Treasury to examine the SRC's gazette notice raising state officer salaries.