Remarks · 26 February 2026
I am delighted to join you today as we celebrate the achievement of 3,862 officers, young men and women who have successfully completed nine months of rigorous training.
This auspicious occasion underscores the government’s firm commitment to strengthening and transforming our criminal justice system into one that upholds the rule of law, protects rights, and advances progressive reforms to enhance public safety.
As the country’s latest cohort of recruits, you are joining a disciplined service whose mandate extends far beyond the safe custody of prisoners. Your duty is to strengthen social order, support the administration of justice, and help build safer communities across our nation.
This remains the cornerstone of our national security and service delivery.
As you are aware, we have embarked on an ambitious national transformation journey in our plan to transform Kenya into a first-world economy. Critical to this journey are three vital enablers: Education and human capital development, national unity and patriotism, and peace, stability, and security.
It is on this third enabler, security, that you, as prison officers, play a critical and indispensable role. By ensuring the safe, humane, and secure custody of offenders, maintaining order within correctional facilities, and supporting the rehabilitation of those entrusted to your care, you form a vital pillar of our national security architecture.
Your vigilance, discipline, and professionalism help prevent threats from taking root, reinforcing public confidence in the justice system, and contributing directly to a more peaceful and stable Kenya.
In pursuit of this noble mandate, the government is fully committed to supporting you and providing the necessary resources to strengthen welfare, uplift morale, and enhance the professionalism of all our disciplined services.
I, therefore, take particular pride in the implementation of salary increments for officers of the Kenya Prisons Service in line with the recommendations of the Maraga Taskforce Report.
Following the implementation of Phase I and Phase II of the salary review, the entry pay for a prison constable has risen by 36%, while the maximum point of the salary scale has grown by 24%.
Phase III of the salary review will take effect on 1st July, 2026. This is clear evidence of the government’s sustained resolve to improve the welfare and motivation of our correctional officers.
In line with my earlier directive, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is also fast-tracking the finalisation of the Correctional Services Bill and Policy. I am pleased to note that the process is firmly on course for Cabinet consideration by April 2026.
I am equally pleased that all Kenya Prisons Service staff are now guaranteed access to quality healthcare services across the country through the Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme under the Social Health Authority (SHA). Ladies and Gentlemen,
The registration of inmates under SHA is a key priority and stands at over 56%. While this is commendable, it is not enough. I therefore expect the State Department for Correctional Services to take all the necessary measures to achieve 100% compliance within the shortest time possible.
The establishment of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital at the Prisons Staff Training College here marks a decisive step in expanding access to quality healthcare. The facility will serve our officers and the surrounding community. It has now been officially handed over, and its operationalisation is well underway.
I commend the Kenya Prisons Service for the notable progress made under the Greening Kenya Agenda. In support of the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, the Service has already planted over 6.8 million trees. An additional 1.87 million mature seedlings are ready for transplanting in 76 departmental tree nurseries.
As a result of the enhanced tree-planting measures across the country, the national tree cover has risen to 12% from less than 10% five years ago, with the Prisons Department making a significant contribution. The institutionalisation of tree planting every fourth Thursday of the month further demonstrates your commendable commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
I urge you to fully utilise the upcoming rainy season. Mobilise resources and intensify your efforts so that you not only meet, but also exceed your targets. Ladies and Gentlemen,
In strengthening the Probation and Aftercare Service, our human resource management and development framework has now been fully streamlined. Already, 470 newly recruited officers have been inducted and strategically deployed to reinforce the criminal justice sector. The government remains steadfast in building a capable and professional workforce.
In fulfilment of the government’s commitment to the welfare of those who serve this nation, I have directed the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to build 28,000 institutional housing units for the Kenya Prisons Service. A dedicated portion will support the Probation and Aftercare Service, ensuring our officers live in dignified and secure homes befitting their service.
Phase one of the programme, representing about 30% of the total housing initiative, is firmly on course, targeting selected correctional facilities. More housing units will be built.
Under our agricultural pillar in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the seven maize-producing stations have achieved about 85% of the projected harvest, much of which has already been milled and distributed. Rice production at Mwea Prison Farm has reached 60% of the anticipated yield, while vegetable production across stations stands at about 70%. These gains underscore our steady progress toward food security and agricultural sustainability within the Service.
Through these initiatives, the Kenya Prisons Service continues to strengthen our nation’s resilience, self-sufficiency, and food security.
In line with our digital transformation agenda, the State Department for Correctional Services has made significant progress in developing the Integrated Correctional Information Management System.
Today, over 70% of correctional facilities are connected to the National Fibre Network, enabling seamless and real-time information sharing across the criminal justice agencies. This integration is already enhancing efficiency, strengthening coordination, and reinforcing transparency and accountability.
As you join the public service, I urge you to embrace your solemn duty: Uphold the law, safeguard society, and rehabilitate inmates with professionalism and integrity.
Maintain zero tolerance for malpractice and let discipline and patriotism guide your actions as you contribute, both individually and collectively, to the transformation of our great country. I thank you. ###