In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy President Abraham Kithure Kindiki during the 27th graduation parade of cadets of the Kenya Prisons Service at the Prison Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County, the president announced that employees’ salaries had already been increased as part of Stages I and II of the recent review of the remuneration system. «After Stages I and II of the salary review, the initial remuneration of a prison constable increased by more than 36%, and the maximum level on the remuneration scale increased by approximately 24%. Phase III came into effect on July 1, 2026, which once again demonstrates our commitment to the well‑being and motivation of our correctional facility staff», he said.
To ensure access to better healthcare services, the president announced that employees had been included in the «Usalama Cover» insurance program, implemented by the Social Health Authority (SHA). To expand medical care, on Monday, on behalf of the head of state, the deputy president opened a Level IV referral hospital named after Vanini Kireri, with 150 beds, located at the Prison Staff Training College. The facility will serve employees, their families, prisoners, and local communities.
In addition, the prison service will receive 28,000 housing units under the Affordable Housing Program, including 9,000 houses that will be built in the format of a public-private partnership. To improve mobility, 41 vehicles were purchased under the VII stage of the state vehicle leasing program to expand the service’s operational fleet, and further investments in electric vehicles are planned.
At the same time, he called on the prison service to accelerate the implementation of modern technologies in order to meet the requirements of the correctional system in the complex modern world. The president stated that the challenges posed by technological progress and crime must be met by services that are ahead of current realities if they want to remain effective and reliable.
«Radicalization, organized crime, cybercrime, and human trafficking require new knowledge, new opportunities, and new tools. A correctional service that does not modernize cannot keep pace with the threats it is meant to counter», he said.
Furthermore, the head of state emphasized that the government is consistently investing in the development of this sector, urging Kenya’s prison staff to improve their qualifications. «The government continues to invest in the modernization of the Kenya Prisons Service. We cannot expect a modern correctional service from staff who work with outdated tools, inadequate infrastructure, and in difficult living conditions», he said.
He also called on officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in serving the country. «Imprisonment deprives one of freedom. It does not deprive one of human dignity. Therefore, you must be firm, but not cruel; vigilant, but not offensive; disciplined, but not indifferent; and authoritative, but not despotic», he concluded.
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