President William Ruto has said his administration is implementing a series of measures aimed at improving the welfare of prison officers through better salaries, enhanced healthcare and improved housing.
The President said the reforms are intended to address longstanding challenges affecting members of the Kenya Prisons Service while improving their working and living conditions.
Speaking during the 27th Pass-Out Parade for Kenya Prisons Service cadets at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County, Ruto said his government was committed to transforming the correctional service and boosting the morale of officers.
His speech was delivered by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who represented the President at the event.
Ruto said the government had already started implementing salary adjustments for prison officers based on recommendations contained in the Maraga Taskforce report.
The reforms are aimed at ensuring that officers receive remuneration that reflects the demanding nature of their duties.
According to the President, the first two phases of the salary review increased the remuneration of prison constables at the entry level by more than 36 per cent, while the maximum point on the salary scale rose by approximately 24 per cent.
He said the third phase of the salary review took effect on July 1, 2026, marking another step in the government's efforts to improve the financial welfare of correctional officers.
The President noted that better salaries were only part of the wider welfare reforms being implemented within the prison service.
He said officers also needed access to quality healthcare and decent accommodation to enable them to perform their responsibilities effectively.
On healthcare, Ruto said prison officers and their dependants had been brought under the Social Health Authority through the Usalama Cover.
The programme is intended to provide comprehensive medical services to officers and their families.
The government has also invested in healthcare infrastructure within the prison service. During the event, Deputy President Kindiki opened the 150-bed Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Referral Hospital at the Prisons Staff Training College.
The facility is expected to provide medical services to prison officers, their families and inmates, while also serving members of the surrounding community.
The government says the hospital will help improve access to specialised healthcare for members of the correctional service.
Housing has also emerged as a key component of the welfare programme. Ruto said the government plans to construct 28,000 institutional housing units for Kenya Prisons Service officers.
The planned houses are expected to address accommodation challenges that have affected officers in different parts of the country. The programme will also benefit officers working under the Probation and Aftercare Service.
The government has already begun implementing the housing programme, with construction expected to continue in phases.
Improved institutional housing is expected to reduce the financial pressure on officers who have to rent accommodation outside their workplaces.
Ruto said the welfare measures were part of broader efforts to professionalise and modernise Kenya's correctional services.
He noted that prison officers play a critical role in maintaining security, ensuring the safe custody of inmates and supporting rehabilitation programmes.
According to the President, improving their welfare would help strengthen the service and motivate officers to carry out their duties more effectively.
The government is also working on legal and policy reforms within the correctional sector. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has been directed to fast-track the Correctional Services Bill and Policy as part of efforts to modernise the country's correctional system.
The reforms are intended to move the prison service beyond a system focused primarily on confinement and place greater emphasis on rehabilitation, professionalism and human dignity.
For prison officers and their families, the planned changes could bring significant improvements in their daily lives.
Higher salaries would provide greater financial security, expanded healthcare would reduce the burden of medical expenses, while better housing would provide more secure and dignified living conditions.
Ruto said the government would continue investing in the welfare of prison officers as part of its broader security sector reforms.
The success of the initiatives will depend on sustained implementation and adequate funding. However, the government maintains that the salary increases, healthcare reforms and housing programme demonstrate its commitment to improving the welfare of the men and women serving in Kenya's correctional institutions.