Govt outlines efforts to improve long-neglected prison officers’ welfare
The government is keen on improving the welfare of prison officers who have suffered decades of neglect, President William Ruto has said. He maintained that his administration is rolling out policies entailing improved salaries, provision of better healthcare and dignified houses in a bid to make correctional services better workplaces for the officers. “The government […]
President William Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the welfare of prison officers, who have long faced neglect. His administration is implementing policies aimed at improving salaries, healthcare, and living conditions to make the Kenya Prisons Service a better workplace. The President highlighted recent salary increases, particularly in Phase I and II, which resulted in a more than 36% raise for entry-level prison constables and a 24% boost in the maximum salary point.
Phase III, effective since July 2026, further demonstrates the commitment to officers' welfare. To improve healthcare access, officers are covered under the Usalama Cover by the Social Health Authority (SHA), and a 150-bed hospital has been opened within the Prisons Staff Training College. Additionally, the Prison Service will benefit from 28,000 units under the Affordable Housing Programme, with 9,000 procured through public-private partnerships for better mobility.
The government also urged the adoption of modern technology to address advanced crimes, and emphasized the need for prison officers to uphold professionalism and integrity in their service to the nation.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
