DP Gachagua:Police To Receive 40% Salary Increase From July

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that police officers will begin receiving a 40% salary increase from July, as recommended by the Taskforce led by former Chief Justice David Maraga.

The salary review, outlined in the report, is slated to be implemented over the next three years. The increase will also extend to prison officers and National Youth Service (NYS) personnel, aiming to enhance service delivery in the security sector. Gachagua emphasized that boosting officers’ morale would lead to improved care for Kenyans and acknowledged the government’s commitment, addressing housing challenges, allowances, and salaries in the security sector.

During his speech at King’ong’o Maximum Prison in Nyeri, Gachagua assured uniformed officers that the Kenya Kwanza administration is dedicated to reforming the national security sector. Last November, President William Ruto directed the Salaries Remuneration Commission to take steps in implementing the necessary adjustments as per the task force’s recommendations. Ruto stated that the salary increase and proposed reforms would address issues identified by the task force, including underfunding, deficient leadership, structural weaknesses, and corruption.

Established in December 2022, the Taskforce’s mandate was to assess and suggest improvements in the working and living conditions of police officers and recommend legal, policy, administrative, institutional, and operational reforms in the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Police Service, and National Youth Service.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) had earlier unveiled the third remuneration review cycle for officers and civilians within the service for 2021-2025 in August. The salary scale adjustments, based on ranks and years in service, resulted in an increase ranging from Sh1,255 to Sh9,439 per month.

Prior to this, police officers had not experienced a salary increase since 2020. The salary adjustments aim to enhance morale, improve security, and create a conducive environment for investments and enterprises.