The Ministry of Interior has unveiled a significant salary review for officers in the lower ranks of Kenya’s security agencies, with police constables set to receive monthly basic pay increases of up to Ksh18,000. The revised salaries will take effect from July this year.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 4, the ministry said the adjustments form part of a broader reform agenda covering the Kenya Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service. The changes are being implemented under a structured four-pillar transformation programme aimed at strengthening the country’s security institutions.
The government noted that the latest review represents the final phase of salary increments rolled out progressively since July 1, 2024. It described the cumulative adjustments over the three-year period as the most substantial pay rise for officers since Kenya attained independence.
Under the new salary structure, a constable at the lowest level of the National Police Service will now earn a maximum basic salary of Ksh 57,700, up from Ksh 38,975 – an increase of 48 per cent. Similar enhancements have been extended to officers serving in the Prisons Service.
Newly recruited police graduates will earn a starting basic salary of Ksh 29,296, compared to Ksh 20,390 before July 2024, reflecting a 44 per cent rise.
Within the Youth Service, officers in the lowest cadre will now receive between Ksh 26,222 and Ksh 37,912, up from the previous range of Ksh 19,800 to Ksh 32,315.
Senior officers have also benefited from the review. The highest-ranking police officer will now earn a maximum monthly basic salary of Ksh 345,850, up from Ksh 289,090 — a 20 per cent increase. In the Prisons Service, top officials will earn between Ksh 301,548 and Ksh 584,903 under the revised framework.
The ministry further reported that more than half of the planned reforms across the three agencies have already been executed. The Police Service leads with 57.2 per cent implementation, while the Prisons Service and Youth Service are advancing at similar levels.
The announcement followed a meeting of the National Steering Committee on security sector reforms chaired by Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo.
According to the ministry, the reform programme prioritises institutional strengthening, improved operational readiness, enhanced logistics, strengthened oversight and accountability, and comprehensive human resource development.