Omollo: Police, Prisons Reforms Taking Shape as 13,860 Officers Recruited
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo alongside Douglas Kanja, the Inspector General of police speaking to journalists in Nairobi.
The government has reported steady progress in reforms within the country’s disciplined services, saying the changes are aimed at strengthening capacity, improving welfare and modernising the security sector.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said the reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service are beginning to take shape, with several milestones already achieved.
Dr Omollo, who chairs the National Steering Committee on the Implementation of Reforms in the three institutions, said the government is focused on building stronger and more professional services that can respond better to the country’s security needs.
“The ongoing reforms in the National Police Service, the Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service mark a deliberate shift to strengthen capacity, improve welfare and modernise our security sector,” he stated.
He noted that recruitment has been one of the key steps taken to address long standing staffing gaps in the services.
“So far, 13,860 new officers have been recruited, including 10,000 Police Constables and 3,860 Prison Constables. This is helping to address past gaps, reduce workload and enhance security presence across the country,” PS Omollo added.
The government has also rolled out a major review of salaries for officers in the disciplined services.
“At the same time, the government has implemented the most extensive salary review in the history of the disciplined services, with increases of up to 40 per cent over two years,” Omollo underscored.
According to the PS, the first two phases of the salary adjustment have already been implemented, while the final phase is expected in July 2026.
“Phases one and two are complete, with the final phase due in July 2026. This will significantly improve earnings and make the services more competitive,” he remarked.
Dr Omollo also pointed to a number of welfare initiatives that are being implemented to improve the working and living conditions of officers.
He said these include enhanced risk and hardship allowances, as well as a housing programme aimed at addressing long standing accommodation shortages.
“An ongoing housing programme has already delivered about 5,000 units towards a target of 28,000,” he said.
The transition of officers to the Social Health Authority is another key step that the government believes will strengthen medical cover for personnel in the services.
“The transition to the Social Health Authority offers broader and more comprehensive medical cover for officers and their families,” the Interior PS stated.
Beyond welfare improvements, the government is also pushing for legislative reforms meant to strengthen accountability, professionalism and operational efficiency within the institutions.
Dr Omollo said investments are also being made in modern equipment, improved communication systems and the digitisation of services.
“These measures are building a more efficient, well equipped and people centred security service,” he concluded.
