Ruto Presides Over 46th Prisons Pass-Out Parade, Announces Pay Rise and SHA Expansion
News Updated: 26 February 2026 16:12 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto dances with the prisons passouts at Ruiru Kiambu county
President William Samoei Ruto on Thursday presided over the 46th Pass-Out Parade at the Prisons Staff Training College, where 3,862 recruits graduated into the Kenya Prisons Service after completing nine months of training.
The ceremony, held in Ruiru, Kiambu County, marked a key milestone in the government’s correctional services reform agenda, with the President inspecting the parade and taking the salute from the newly trained officers.
He was accompanied by senior government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, alongside top leadership from the correctional services sector.
During his address, the President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system, describing prison officers as a critical pillar in maintaining national security and supporting justice delivery.
Ruto confirmed that Phase I and Phase II of the salary review for prison officers have been implemented, raising entry-level pay by 36 per cent and increasing earnings at the maximum scale by 24 per cent.
He announced that Phase III of the salary review will take effect on July 1, 2026, in line with recommendations of the Maraga-led taskforce on police and prison reforms.
In a move aimed at improving welfare standards, the President directed the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to construct 28,000 institutional housing units for prisons officers, with a portion allocated to the Probation and Aftercare Service.
On healthcare reforms, Ruto stated that all prisons officers are now covered under the national medical scheme administered by the Social Health Authority.
He ordered that all inmates be registered under the same scheme, noting that current enrolment stands at 56 per cent and instructing officials to fast-track full registration to guarantee access to medical services.
The President also confirmed the operationalisation of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital within the training college, saying the facility will serve both prisons officers and residents of the surrounding community.
Ruto highlighted ongoing institutional reforms, including efforts to modernise correctional infrastructure and align prison services with broader national development goals.
He concluded by urging the newly graduated officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and integrity as they take up assignments across the country, pledging continued government support to enhance service delivery within the correctional system.
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FELIX MAKONA
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