President Ruto inspects a guard of honour parade at Ruiru Staff Prisons College/PCS




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President William Ruto has directed the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to construct 28,000 institutional housing units for the Kenya Prisons Service.

He said phase one of the programme, covering about 30% of the total housing initiative, is on track and will target selected correctional facilities, with more units to follow.

The President noted that the directive reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of those who serve the nation.

“A dedicated portion will support the Probation and Aftercare Service, ensuring our officers live in dignified and secure homes befitting their service,” he said at Ruiru Prisons Staff Training College during the 46th Pass-Out Parade for 3,862 officers.

The President noted that all Kenya Prisons Service staff are now guaranteed access to quality healthcare services across the country through the Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“The registration of inmates under SHA is a key priority and stands at over 56%. While this is commendable, it is not enough. I therefore expect the State Department for Correctional Services to take all the necessary measures to achieve 100% compliance within the shortest time possible,” he said.

The head of state's establishment of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital at the Prisons Staff Training College marks a decisive step in expanding access to quality healthcare.

“The facility will serve our officers and the surrounding community. It has now been officially handed over, and its operationalisation is well underway.”

While pledging support to the service, the President said the warders’ vigilance, discipline, and professionalism help prevent threats from taking root, reinforcing public confidence in the justice system, and contributing directly to a more peaceful and stable Kenya.

“In pursuit of this noble mandate, the government is fully committed to supporting you and providing the necessary resources to strengthen welfare, uplift morale, and enhance the professionalism of all our disciplined services.”

He added, “Maintain zero tolerance for malpractice and let discipline and patriotism guide your actions as you contribute, both individually and collectively, to the transformation of our great country.”

Ruto told the officers that he takes particular pride in the implementation of salary increments for officers of the Kenya Prisons Service in line with the recommendations of the Maraga Taskforce Report.

Following the implementation of Phase I and Phase II of the salary review, the entry pay for a prison constable has risen by 36%, while the maximum point of the salary scale has grown by 24%.

“Phase III of the salary review will take effect on July 1, 2026. This is clear evidence of the government’s sustained resolve to improve the welfare and motivation of our correctional officers,” Ruto said.

He also commended the Kenya Prisons Service for the notable progress made under the Greening Kenya Agenda, saying that in support of the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, the Service has already planted over 6.8 million trees.

An additional 1.87 million mature seedlings are ready for transplanting in 76 departmental tree nurseries.

“As a result of the enhanced tree-planting measures across the country, the national tree cover has risen to 12% from less than 10% five years ago, with the Prisons Department making a significant contribution. The institutionalisation of tree planting every fourth Thursday of the month further demonstrates your commendable commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.”

In line with our digital transformation agenda, the President said the State Department for Correctional Services has made significant progress in developing the Integrated Correctional Information Management System.

“Today, over 70% of correctional facilities are connected to the National Fibre Network, enabling seamless and real-time information sharing across the criminal justice agencies. This integration is already enhancing efficiency, strengthening coordination, and reinforcing transparency and accountability.”