DNK International By Our Reporter, Nairobi.
The government has announced a salary increase for officers serving in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the government said the final phase of salary raises for all police, prison and NYS officers will be effected in July this year.
The announcement followed a meeting of the National Steering Committee on the implementation of reforms in the NPS, KPS and NYS, chaired by the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo. The committee reviewed progress made so far and noted that the pay adjustments represent the highest cumulative salary increases for officers over three consecutive years since independence.
According to the statement, police officers in lower ranks are the main beneficiaries of the new salary structure, following directives by President William Ruto.
Under the proposed pay rise, a National Police Service constable serving in the lowest cadre will now earn a maximum of Ksh57,700, up from Ksh38,975—an increase of 48 per cent. A similar cap has been applied to equivalent officers in the Kenya Prisons Service.
Newly graduating police constables from various training colleges will earn a starting salary of Ksh29,296, up from Ksh20,390, representing a 44 per cent increase.
Officers in the lowest cadre of the National Youth Service will now earn between Ksh26,222 and Ksh37,912, compared to previous salaries ranging from Ksh19,800 to a maximum of Ksh32,315.
The government further stated that once fully implemented, the highest-ranking police officer will earn a maximum monthly basic salary of Ksh345,850, up from Ksh289,090, reflecting a 20 per cent increase.
For the Kenya Prisons Service, the highest-paid officers will now earn between Ksh301,548 and Ksh584,903, compared to the previous range of Ksh292,765 to Ksh576,120.
“Officers from all three services started earning the increased pay after the government announced phased salary raises effective July 1, 2024,” the statement said.
Overall, the government noted that the three institutions have implemented more than 50 per cent of the planned reform actions, signaling steady momentum in security sector reforms. The National Police Service leads with 57.2 per cent implementation, while the Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service are progressing at comparable levels.
[DNK-International@March 4,2026]
