Ruto announces salary increment for prison wardens

President William Ruto has announced a new salary increment for Kenya Prisons Service officers, saying the third phase of adjustments will take effect on July 1, 2026.

The move comes after earlier increments had already raised the entry pay for constables by 36 per cent and expanded the overall salary scale by 24 per cent.

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Speaking at the 46th Passing Out Parade of 3,862 recruits at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu county on Thursday, Ruto hailed the achievement of the new officers who had successfully completed nine months of rigorous training.

“I am delighted to join you today as we celebrate the achievement of 3,862 officers, young men and women who have completed nine months of intensive training,” he said.

Phase III of the salary review, the President said, is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance the welfare of prison officers and boost morale within the service.

“Following the implementation of Phase I and Phase II, the entry pay for a prison constable has risen by 36 per cent, while the maximum point of the salary scale has grown by 24 per cent. Phase III will take effect from 1st July, 2026,” Ruto added.

He emphasised that the welfare of correctional officers is important to the overall security and stability of the country.

“It is on this enabler of peace and security where you, as prison officers, play a critical and indispensable role by ensuring the safe, humane and secure custody of offenders, maintaining order within correctional facilities,” Ruto said.

Ruto also highlighted ongoing reforms within the correctional services sector, including the fast-tracking of the Correctional Services Bill and Policy, which is expected to be submitted to Cabinet by April 2026.

The President further noted that all officers are now covered under the Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme through the Social Health Authority and directed the State Department for Correctional Services to achieve full inmate registration under the scheme.

In addition to welfare and policy reforms, Ruto praised the Prisons Service for supporting national conservation efforts.

“In support of the target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, the Service has already planted over 6.8 million trees, with an additional 1.87 million mature seedlings ready for transplanting in 76 departmental tree nurseries,” he said.

The President also highlighted the establishment of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital at the training college, which will serve both officers and the surrounding community.

The salary increment and policy reforms, Ruto said, reflect the government’s commitment to recognising the critical role of prison officers in maintaining law and order, safeguarding inmates and contributing to Kenya’s peace and security.