A storm is brewing within the Kenya Prisons Service as officers threaten to strike following the government’s failure to implement a promised Ksh4,000 pay rise.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The discontent among prison warders reached a boiling point on Thursday when they staged a go-slow, protesting against what they describe as poor pay and unfulfilled governmental promises.
In July 2024, President William Ruto assured that prison officers would receive a salary increment, beginning with their July pay. However, despite the President’s public commitment, the officers’ payslips remained unchanged, leading to widespread frustration and anger within the service.
Felix Koskei, the head of public service, had directed that all uniformed officers, from the lowest rank of constable, should receive a minimum monthly salary increment of Ksh4,000. This directive was expected to be reflected in the July payroll, but prison officers were left empty-handed, sparking unrest.
President Ruto reiterated the government’s promise to enhance the salaries of police and prison officers during the swearing-in ceremony of Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service at State House Nairobi on July 24. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to supporting men in uniform despite financial constraints.
“As a commitment that I made to our men in uniform, from this month, we will be living up to our commitment to enhance the salaries of our policemen and our prison officers,” Ruto declared, reinforcing the pledge made in 2023 to increase officers’ salaries by 40 per cent over three years. This promise followed recommendations from a task force on police reforms led by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
However, it has now emerged that prison officers are yet to see any changes in their payslips, while their counterparts in the police service have received the promised pay adjustments.
Officers speaking anonymously to Citizen TV expressed their frustration, highlighting the dire financial situation they face.
“We are yet to receive anything despite the promises to increase the salary,” one officer lamented. Another added, “They are saying it should have arrived, yet we haven’t seen anything.”
The situation has led to severe discontent, with officers threatening to down tools if the government does not fulfill its promise.
An examination of the officers’ pay reveals the severity of the issue. A constable’s gross salary is Ksh47,800, but after deductions, they take home only Ksh8,000.
“Our pay is Ksh34,000 after deductions. If, for example, you pay for a house at Ksh15,000, then pay for a house help maybe Ksh7,000. You can see that the money is barely enough to cater for a family,” an officer explained.
The threat of a strike looms large as the officers’ morale continues to plummet. The government’s failure to implement the pay rise has not only affected their financial stability but also their trust in the administration’s promises.
The Kenya Prisons Service now stands on the brink of a significant crisis, with officers determined to take action if their demands are not met promptly...CONTINUE READING>>
