The Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) experienced a significant overhaul as the Commissioner General of Prisons, Patrick Aranduh, announced a series of promotions and structural changes within the service. These changes are part of the broader reforms recommended by the Maraga Report, which aimed to enhance the professionalism, efficiency, and service delivery of the KPS. At the heart of these changes was the creation of new ranks and the harmonization of the KPS ranking system with that of the National Police Service (NPS). This move underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the prisons service and addressing long-standing challenges within the system.
Creation of New Ranks and Changes in Hierarchy
To streamline operations and improve the efficiency of the KPS, Aranduh introduced the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP). This new rank was created to provide a clearer hierarchy within the service, making it easier to manage personnel and responsibilities. The introduction of this rank also aims to harmonize KPS ranks with those of the NPS, aligning the services in terms of rank progression and responsibilities. Alongside the ASP rank, Aranduh also created the position of Commissioner of Prisons (CP), merging the previously separate ranks of Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons (DCP). This merger was intended to streamline decision-making and improve communication within the top echelons of the service.
The changes also included the de-linking of the rank of Inspector of Prisons from the Senior Sergeant rank. This was a crucial step in creating a distinct pathway for leadership within the KPS, allowing for better career progression and specialization among officers. These structural changes signify a move towards a more modern and functional hierarchy, capable of handling the complex demands of prison management in contemporary Kenya.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues in the Prisons Service
The Maraga Report, which informed these changes, highlighted several critical issues within the Kenya Prisons Service. One of the most pressing concerns was the systemic funding deficit affecting the KPS. Since 2008, the service has faced an annual funding gap of about 40 percent, severely hampering its ability to provide adequate resources for staff and inmates alike. This funding shortfall has been a major barrier to modernization, affecting everything from training facilities to infrastructure upkeep and food supply for inmates.
To address these issues, the Maraga Report recommended vetting for all senior prison officers to improve leadership and accountability. A panel appointed by the President will be tasked with conducting this vetting process, aimed at rooting out inefficiencies and corruption within the ranks. This move is critical in ensuring that only the most capable and ethical officers hold leadership positions within the KPS. The report also emphasized the importance of raising the minimum recruitment age for officers from 18 to 21 years to allow for more mature and better-trained entrants into the service. This change is expected to address the immaturity seen in new recruits and provide a more rigorous training process, ultimately leading to a more professional force.
Promoting Professional Development and Service Delivery
The Maraga Report also made recommendations for enhancing professional development within the KPS. These included increasing the salary of junior officers by almost 50 percent, aimed at boosting morale and attracting higher quality recruits. The team argued that the stagnation of junior officers in one rank, often until retirement, had led to widespread discontent and low morale. The introduction of grades like Inspector II and I, along with Constable and Corporal grades, was recommended to provide a clearer path for career advancement within the service. This tiered approach to promotion is designed to prevent the bottleneck of promotion that has plagued the KPS, ensuring that officers are regularly assessed and moved up the ranks based on merit and competency.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Reforms
The Maraga Report also called for a modernisation plan for the Kenya Prisons Service, similar to what has been undertaken in the National Police Service. This plan would include improvements to prison infrastructure, training facilities, and sanitation services to meet international standards. The task force highlighted the dehumanizing living conditions in prisons, where inmates are forced to use buckets for sanitation in poorly ventilated dormitories. These conditions not only violate inmates’ rights but also reflect poorly on the management of the KPS. The need for a comprehensive modernization plan is crucial in transforming the KPS into a more humane and effective service, capable of rehabilitating offenders and reducing recidivism rates.
In conclusion, the changes announced by Commissioner General Patrick Aranduh are a significant step towards transforming the Kenya Prisons Service. The introduction of new ranks and the recommendations from the Maraga Report underscore a commitment to professionalism, better service delivery, and the creation of a modern prison system. As Kenya looks to the future, these reforms are crucial in addressing the long-standing challenges within the service and ensuring that the KPS is better equipped to handle the evolving demands of prison management in the country.
