President William Ruto announced that Kenya’s police and prison officers are poised to receive a 40% salary increase over a span of three years as part of proposed adjustments in the security sector review.
The aim of the salary hike is to uplift morale and strengthen security measures.
One of the suggestions put forth by a task force investigating methods to enhance law enforcement in the nation was the implementation of this salary increase.
While Kenyan police are known for instances of brutality and involvement in bribery, there are also significant concerns regarding their well-being and welfare.
Due to their low salaries, some members of the police force have resorted to criminal activities. Tragically, several officers have committed suicide in recent years, highlighting the acknowledged struggle many face with their mental health within the profession.
Previous attempts to increase their salaries have not resulted in a substantial shift in how Kenyans perceive the police force.
The announcement of the salary increase coincides with Kenya’s struggle with a cost-of-living crisis, prompting the government to implement various tax and fee hikes.
“The review of the terms and conditions of service for our men and women in uniform will enhance their morale and transform our security. It will increase our capacity to protect Kenyans,” President Ruto said.
He expressed that the proposal for a 40% salary increase over three years was well thought out. He mentioned that they would now await the actions of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to make the required adjustments for the decision’s implementation.
The president affirmed his commitment to tackling corruption within the police service, acknowledging it as a significant issue that requires firm action.
He highlighted that aside from the salary increase, the proposed reforms aim to address the issues pinpointed by the task force, including underfunding, inadequate leadership, structural and organizational weaknesses, and corruption.
Established last December, the task force, headed by former Chief Justice David Maraga, was instituted shortly after Mr. Ruto assumed the presidency.
The task force was tasked with examining and providing recommendations on how to enhance the working and living conditions of police, prison, and National Youth Service (NYS) officers, alongside proposing other necessary reforms.
In its recommendations, the task force proposed raising the minimum entry age for the police force from 18 to 21 years. Additionally, it suggested elevating the minimum education requirement in most regions from a D-plus grade to a C-minus grade in the national secondary school exam. Furthermore, the task force advocated for an extension of training duration.
The task force has additionally advocated for improved medical and housing allowances, addressing prison overcrowding, and expanding the National Youth Service (NYS), a state-operated program aimed at providing young individuals with training in life and business skills.
Mr. Ruto assured that the government would execute all the recommendations; however, he cautioned that certain changes might take time due to the necessity for legal and policy amendments.
