President William Ruto during the 46th Recruits Pass-Out Parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru on February 26, 2026. Photo by PCS 
By Andrew Mbuva
In a sweeping move aimed at transforming Kenya's correctional services, President William Ruto presided over the 46th Recruits Pass-Out Parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, celebrating the graduation of 3,862 young men and women who have completed nine months of intensive training.
In his address, President Ruto hailed the new officers as “indispensable pillars of national security,” emphasizing that their responsibilities extend beyond prisoner custody to strengthening social order, supporting justice, and building safer communities.
"You are joining a disciplined service whose mandate is to strengthen social order, support the administration of justice, and help build safer communities across our nation," the President told the graduating cohort.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to boosting morale and professionalism, President Ruto announced that Phases I and II of the Maraga Taskforce salary review have been fully implemented. This has resulted in a 36 percent increase in entry-level pay for prison constables and a 24 percent rise at the maximum point of the salary scale.
Phase III of the pay review is slated for July 1, 2026, providing further evidence of the administration's determination to improve the welfare and motivation of correctional officers.
President Ruto also directed the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to construct 28,000 institutional housing units for Kenya Prisons Service officers, including dedicated allocations for the Probation and Aftercare Service. Phase one, covering roughly 30 percent of the total plan, is already underway.
In addition, he confirmed that all prison staff now enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA), with inmate registration currently at 56 percent. The President called on the State Department for Correctional Services to achieve 100 percent compliance promptly.
The event also saw the handover of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital, located at the Prisons Staff Training College, expanding healthcare access to both officers and the surrounding community.
President Ruto commended the Prisons Service for its environmental contributions, noting the planting of over 6.8 million trees, with an additional 1.87 million mature seedlings ready for transplanting, raising national tree cover to 12 percent.
On the agricultural front, he highlighted significant gains under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with maize production at seven stations reaching 85 percent of targets, rice at Mwea Prison Farm at 60 percent, and vegetable output across stations at 70 percent.
In the digital space, more than 70 percent of correctional facilities are now connected to the National Fibre Network via the Integrated Correctional Information Management System, enabling real-time information sharing across criminal justice agencies.
President Ruto also confirmed that the Correctional Services Bill and Policy are in the final stages of Cabinet consideration, expected by April 2026, signalling a comprehensive overhaul of the sector’s legal framework.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, President Ruto urged them to uphold the law, safeguard society, and rehabilitate inmates with vigilance, discipline, and professionalism.
"Your dedication reinforces public confidence in the justice system and contributes directly to a more peaceful and stable Kenya," he said.
The event not only celebrated the achievements of the recruits but also marked a renewed commitment to transforming Kenya’s correctional services through improved welfare, infrastructure, technology, and a stronger focus on rehabilitation and public safety.
