Written By Lisa Murimi
The Ministry of Interior has moved to address growing unrest within the Kenya Prisons Service following delays in implementing a long-promised salary increase.Â
The government’s failure to deliver the anticipated pay rise has led to frustration among prison officers, some of whom had threatened to strike in protest.
The tension has been building since July when President William Ruto promised a salary increment for all uniformed officers, beginning with the July payroll.
While police officers have already seen their pay rise, prison officers are still waiting, sparking discontent and a go-slow protest earlier this month.
On Wednesday, August 21, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, clarified that the salary increases for prison officers and members of the National Youth Service (NYS) would take effect in September 2024.
Omollo explained that the delay was part of a phased implementation of the Maraga Reform Taskforce recommendations.
Despite reassurances, many prison officers remain skeptical, feeling overlooked as their police counterparts have already received their increments.
The reform process, scheduled to span four years, will focus on enhancing leadership, accountability, and operational readiness within the Kenya Prisons Service.
