Kenya will implement the last phase of salary increases for officers in the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), and National Youth Service (NYS) this July, marking the largest cumulative pay hikes for security personnel in three consecutive years since independence.
The reforms particularly favor lower-ranking officers, with constables in the police and prisons earning up to Sh57,700, while NYS officers will receive between Sh26,222 and Sh37,912.
The announcement was made on Wednesday after a meeting of the National Steering Committee on the implementation of reforms in the three services, chaired by the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo.
The committee reviewed progress on the reform agenda, guided by a four-pillar framework emphasizing Institutional Capacity Development, Operational Preparedness and Logistical Capacity, Oversight and Accountability, and Human Resource Management and Development.
“This will be the highest cumulative pay increases for officers over three consecutive years since independence,” the steering committee noted, underlining the government’s commitment to enhancing welfare, terms of service, and staff development across the security sector.
Under the new structure, a constable graduating from police training colleges will start at Sh29,296, up from Sh20,390 earned by colleagues before July 2024, representing a 44% rise.
Similarly, the lowest-ranking NYS officers will earn between Sh26,222 and Sh37,912, compared with Sh19,800–32,315 prior to the phased adjustments.
Senior officers are also set to benefit. The highest-ranking Police Officer will now earn a monthly basic pay of Sh345,850, up from Sh289,090, a 20% increase.
Officers in the highest positions of the Kenya Prisons Service will earn between Sh301,548 and Sh584,903, rising from Sh292,765–576,120, with senior NYS officers receiving comparable adjustments.
The reforms, which began with phased salary increases on July 1, 2024, have already made notable progress, with over 50% of the planned actions implemented across the three services. The National Police Service leads with 57.2% implementation, while the Kenya Prisons Service and NYS are advancing at similar levels.
The government emphasized that these measures are part of a broader plan to strengthen service delivery, professionalism, and accountability in the security sector. “By enhancing welfare and staff development, we are building a more motivated and effective force,” the committee said.
All the final salary adjustments will take effect in July 2026, ensuring that every officer across the three institutions benefits from the historic reforms.
