In a significant development, the government is set to deliver on its pledge to increase the salaries of prison officers and police personnel, effective this month. This follows the enactment of the Supplementary Appropriations Act, 2024, which has allocated 3.5 billion Shillings specifically to enhance the remuneration and working conditions of those serving in security roles. This move is a direct response to the recommendations put forth by the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, led by Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga.
The Supplementary Appropriations Act, 2024, was recently signed into law by President William Ruto, marking a critical step towards improving the financial well-being of officers in the security sector. According to a statement from State House, the allocation of 3.5 billion Shillings is intended to address the long-standing issue of inadequate compensation for police and prison officers, aligning with the taskforce’s recommendations aimed at bolstering their dignity and living standards.
This development is particularly noteworthy given that police officers had not received a salary increase since 2020. The increase, which takes effect from July 1, 2024, was confirmed in a letter from the Head of Civil Service, Felix Koskei, addressed to Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo and Public Service Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha. The letter outlined the schedule for the salary increment, affirming the government’s commitment to improving the financial situation of its security personnel.
President Ruto has reiterated the government’s commitment to this cause, expressing his dedication to following through with the promised salary enhancements. At a recent swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Prisons Service Commissioner General, President Ruto stated, “In line with the commitment I made to our men in uniform, from this month we will be living up to our commitment to enhance the salaries of our policemen and prison officers.” He confirmed that the first installment of the salary increment would commence in July 2024.
The salary increment is expected to benefit not only police and prison officers but also personnel from the National Youth Service (NYS). This broader inclusion underscores the government’s intention to address pay disparities across various security and service sectors.
The process to realize these increases has not been without its challenges. On May 17, 2024, the implementation of the Maraga taskforce’s recommendations faced a setback when the National Treasury failed to allocate the necessary budget. The National Police Service (NPS) had initially requested 15 billion Shillings to carry out the reforms outlined in the report. However, this amount was significantly reduced in the budget estimates presented before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
During a presentation to the committee, NPS accounting officer Bernice Lemedeket advocated for additional funds, emphasizing the need for adequate financing to improve police performance, which had been hampered by various operational challenges. Lemedeket appealed for careful consideration of the underfunded areas and assured that any additional funds would be used efficiently to enhance service delivery.
The Maraga taskforce, appointed by President Ruto in December 2022, was tasked with spearheading comprehensive reforms across the police, prison, and NYS services. One of the key recommendations of the taskforce was a 40 percent salary increase for police officers over the next three years. For instance, an officer currently earning 15,000 Shillings per month would see an increase of 6,000 Shillings, significantly improving their income.
In addition to salary increases, the taskforce recommended several other improvements to the working conditions of officers. These include the introduction of new allowances for non-uniformed members of the NPS, increased funding for police modernization, procurement of essential equipment, and an enhancement of the budget for fuel depending on operational needs. Justice Maraga also advocated for the upgrading of physical and operational infrastructure at police training colleges and stations to better support the training and operational needs of the police force.
The commitment to these reforms highlights a broader effort to address long-standing issues within the security sector. The increased funding and salary adjustments aim to enhance not only the financial stability of officers but also their overall morale and efficiency. By implementing these recommendations, the government seeks to foster a more effective and motivated security workforce, which is crucial for maintaining public safety and order.
As the government moves forward with these initiatives, it remains to be seen how they will impact the operational capabilities and job satisfaction of security personnel. Nonetheless, the allocation of 3.5 billion Shillings represents a significant investment in the welfare of those who play a critical role in safeguarding the nation. The success of these reforms will likely serve as a benchmark for future efforts to improve the conditions of public service workers across various sectors.
