National Police Service Commission announces pay rise for officers

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has increased the basic salaries of entry-level police constables from Sh21,645 to Sh25,645.

This is in fulfilment of the promise that the Government established the Maraga Taskforce, whose recommendations include an increase in police officers' salaries.

National Police Service Commission Chairperson, Eliud Kinuthia during a press conference on Thursday said the salary is Sh4,000 higher than the previous one.

"The National Government Administration under the leadership of His Excellency the President pledged to improve terms and conditions of service for police officers," he said.

This means that the longest-serving Police Constable will earn a minimum monthly gross salary of Sh 50,145 up to a maximum of Sh69,640.

A Senior Assistant Inspector General (SAIG) will now earn a monthly basic salary at entry rank of Sh200,889 to Sh221,915, an increase of Sh21,026.

The longest-serving SAIG will now earn a minimum monthly gross salary of Sh310,725 up to a maximum of Sh409,365.

President William Ruto inspects a guard of honour during the Administration Police passing-out-parade in Embakasi, Nairobi County on January 11, 2023. (Photo: PCS)

Promotions

At the same time, the commission has approved the promotion of 1,957 police officers, including 87 females and 1,870 males.

Kinuthia emphasised that this promotion is intended to motivate the officers as they near the mandatory retirement age of 60.

However, the commission has received complaints regarding the stagnation of officers and acknowledged its impact on their morale and performance.

The commission therefore requested Douglas Kanja, the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service, to review the files of officers aged 53-59 who have no disciplinary issues and recommend those eligible for promotion based on merit.

The Commission delegated the process of identification, appraisal, selection and recommendation for promotions of police officers in the rank of police constable to the Chief Inspector of Police.

The Acting Police IG carried out the process with a view to address the command gaps in the lower cadre, effects of exits due to natural attrition and reduction in strength during 3 years that the Commission has not recruited new police recruits.

The Commission also recommended the promotion of 1,189 officers to the next rank.

They include 31 Chief Inspectors, Inspector (88), Senior Sergeant (24), Sergeant (98), Corporal (319) and 629 Police Constables.