Over the following three years, the government plans to raise salaries by 40% for personnel in the Kenya Prisons Service, National Youth Service, and National Police Service.
At State House in Nairobi on Thursday, President William Ruto announced his receipt of the recommendations from the task force on police reforms, which was presided over by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
The President accepted the Maraga team’s advice, stating that it would be essential to bringing back the security forces’ accountability, efficiency, and integrity.
He declared, “I have seen the task force’s recommendation to increase our police, NYS, and prison service salaries by 40% over the next three years.”
“I believe it’s a well-thought-out recommendation, and we’ll wait for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s work to make the necessary adjustments so we can put it into practice.”
“Our main goal is to ensure this country’s transformation by establishing a professional, efficient, and effective security sector that is characterized by integrity and accountability,” he continued.
The head of state outlined concerns brought up by the task force, including underfunding and corruption related to security personnel’s welfare, and announced that his administration would also examine housing, insurance, and living conditions to modernize the industry.
The task force has identified four main issues with our services that have hindered their delivery of effective and efficient services, made them resistant to expansion and change, and diminished their reputation among Kenyans. In general, the issues include inadequate funding, poor leadership, organizational flaws, structural issues, and, above all, corruption, he stated.
“I am giving the appropriate government agencies the go-ahead to start examining the compensation, living circumstances, health insurance, housing, and other welfare aspects for service members and just do the right thing by our officers.”
In the same vein, Ruto promised to see to it that the three security organizations were reorganized to improve legislative and policy alignment.
The State has also institutionalized long-term equipment modernization, automated finance, and human resource management processes related to hiring, transferring promotions, and salary and allowance payments, among other significant improvements.
In addition, the President promised that no officer would work in the same county for longer than three years and that recruitment and promotion processes for police officers would be open to the public.
