The government plans to raise the salaries of officers in the National Police Service (NPS), National Youth Service (NYS), and Kenya Prisons Service by 40 percent over the next three years.
President William Ruto announced this decision on Thursday, following the recommendations of the police reforms taskforce led by former Chief Justice David Maraga at State House in Nairobi.
President Ruto endorsed the taskforce’s recommendation, emphasizing its significance in restoring integrity, efficiency, and accountability within the security forces.
He stated,
“I have reviewed the taskforce’s suggestion to increase the salaries of our police, NYS, and prison service by 40% over the next three years. I find it to be a well-considered proposal, and we await the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s input to make the necessary adjustments for implementation.”
Transforming the Nation
The President emphasized the overarching goal of transforming the nation by establishing a professional, efficient, and accountable security sector.
He further, acknowledged issues identified by the taskforce, including corruption and underfunding affecting the welfare of security personnel.
President Ruto committed to addressing living conditions, housing, and insurance concerns as part of the broader sector transformation.
Highlighting the taskforce’s identification of underfunding, deficient leadership, structural weaknesses, and corruption as primary challenges, President Ruto directed relevant government entities to initiate a comprehensive review of pay,
- Living conditions,
- Medical cover,
- Housing,
- Other welfare aspects for service members.
Additionally, President Ruto pledged to reconstitute the three security bodies for better alignment in terms of legislation and policies.
Key reforms outlined by the government include institutionalizing long-term equipment modernization, automating human resource and finance management procedures related to recruitment, transfers, promotions, and salary payments.
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The President also assured transparency in the promotion and recruitment processes, vowing that no officer would serve in the same county for more than three years.
Overall, the government aims to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of the security sector through these comprehensive reforms.