Waziri Mayai Wa Maradhi
Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 81
- 36
President William Samoei Ruto on Thursday presided over the 46th Pass-Out Parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County, where 3,862 recruits officially joined the Kenya Prisons Service after completing nine months of training.
The ceremony marked a significant step in the government’s efforts to reform correctional services. The President inspected the parade and received the salute from the graduates, accompanied by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and senior officials from the corrections sector.
The fresh prison officers had to pass out in their jungle fatigue after the service was hit with a shortage of ceremonial uniforms, making it a first of its kind ceremony.
In his address, Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system, describing prison officers as essential to national security and the administration of justice.
He announced that Phase I and Phase II of a salary review for prison officers have already been implemented, increasing entry-level pay by 36 per cent and raising maximum-scale earnings by 24 per cent. Phase III of the review is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, in line with recommendations from the Maraga-led taskforce on police and prison reforms.
To improve welfare, the President directed the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to build 28,000 institutional housing units for prison officers, with some units allocated to the Probation and Aftercare Service.
On healthcare, Ruto said all prison officers are now covered under the national medical scheme managed by the Social Health Authority. He also instructed officials to accelerate the registration of inmates under the same scheme, noting that current enrolment stands at 56 per cent.
Additionally, he confirmed the operational launch of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital at the training college, stating that it will serve both prison officers and the surrounding community.
The President highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising correctional facilities and aligning prison services with national development objectives. He urged the newly graduated officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity as they begin their duties across the country, assuring them of continued government support.
The ceremony marked a significant step in the government’s efforts to reform correctional services. The President inspected the parade and received the salute from the graduates, accompanied by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and senior officials from the corrections sector.
The fresh prison officers had to pass out in their jungle fatigue after the service was hit with a shortage of ceremonial uniforms, making it a first of its kind ceremony.
In his address, Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system, describing prison officers as essential to national security and the administration of justice.
He announced that Phase I and Phase II of a salary review for prison officers have already been implemented, increasing entry-level pay by 36 per cent and raising maximum-scale earnings by 24 per cent. Phase III of the review is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, in line with recommendations from the Maraga-led taskforce on police and prison reforms.
To improve welfare, the President directed the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to build 28,000 institutional housing units for prison officers, with some units allocated to the Probation and Aftercare Service.
On healthcare, Ruto said all prison officers are now covered under the national medical scheme managed by the Social Health Authority. He also instructed officials to accelerate the registration of inmates under the same scheme, noting that current enrolment stands at 56 per cent.
Additionally, he confirmed the operational launch of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital at the training college, stating that it will serve both prison officers and the surrounding community.
The President highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising correctional facilities and aligning prison services with national development objectives. He urged the newly graduated officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity as they begin their duties across the country, assuring them of continued government support.
