Every few years, the Kenyan government, through the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), typically amends the salaries of civil servants. However, a few, such as police officers, KDF officers, and prison officers, aren’t civil servants but uniformed personnel who play various roles, and their Salaries are set by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) rather than the SRC. In this guide, however, our primary focus will be on how much Kenya prison officers earn. But if you are interested in knowing the Salaries of KDF military officers, you can also check out this article.
Until 2020, Police officers in Kenya had not received any Salary increase. It was not until August 2023 that the NPSC announced the third remuneration review cycle for officers and civilians in the service for 2021-2025. Following these adjustments, further reviews were undertaken in 2025, with additional salary changes taking effect from 1 July 2025 under the SRC 2025 to 2029 remuneration cycle. So, what is the Kenya Prisons Salary scale? This article provides a detailed breakdown of KPS officers’ salaries and allowances in 2026.
Kenya Prison Officers’ Salaries in 2026
The third remuneration review cycle for Salaries, as announced by the Kenyan government, resulted in pay increases ranging from 6% to 19% for different force members. Under the new salary scale, a KPS officer’s salary is closely tied to their rank and Pay Grade, rather than to Job Groups, as used by SRC to determine civil servants’ salaries.
In 2026, the highest-ranking KPS officer is the Commissioner General of Prisons, who earns between Ksh 350,000 and Ksh 450,000 in basic salary. The lowest-ranking member is a constable, who earns between Ksh 22,000 and Ksh 30,000 per month.
To better illustrate these changes, a table comparing salaries across ranks and Pay Grades can be seen below:
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (KES) | Estimated Allowances (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioner General of Prisons | 350,000 – 450,000 | 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Deputy Commissioner | 250,000 – 300,000 | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Assistant Commissioner | 200,000 – 250,000 | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Senior Superintendent of Prisons | 170,000 – 200,000 | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Superintendent | 130,000 – 170,000 | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Chief Inspector | 100,000 – 130,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Inspector | 80,000 – 100,000 | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Kenya Prisons Cadets | 22,000 – 30,000 | 4,000 – 7,000 |
| Senior Sergeant | 65,000 – 80,000 | 8,000 – 14,000 |
| Sergeant | 50,000 – 65,000 | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Corporal | 40,000 – 50,000 | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Senior Constable | 30,000 – 40,000 | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Constable | 22,000 – 30,000 | 4,000 – 7,000 |
Allowances and Benefits for Kenya Prison Officers
Just as civil servants in the country are entitled to various allowances, the NPSC follows the same criteria used by SRC to determine allowances for Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) officers, in addition to their basic salaries, as discussed above. The purpose of allowances is to help officers address the various challenges they face in the line of duty, such as working in high-risk environments and remote areas.
Their allowances are the same as their salaries, primarily determined by their ranks and Pay Grades. As of 2026, the following are the types of allowances that each prison officer is entitled to receive:
- Housing Allowance: This varies by location. Officers are placed in three clusters. First, there is cluster 1 that represents officers in urban centers or large cities like Nairobi who receive higher allowances, followed by Cluster 2 officers covering major towns and cities, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Eldoret, Kisii, and Malindi, followed by cluster 3, which applies to all other areas across the country.
- Risk Allowance: Officers in maximum-security prisons handling high-risk offenders are eligible for a risk allowance of up to 25% of their basic salary.
- Hardship Allowance: Officers posted in remote or hardship areas receive additional compensation to offset the cost of living and isolation.
- Transfer allowance: Offered to cover relocation expenses when an officer is reassigned to a new work station.
- Acting allowance: Paid to officers who temporarily take on the responsibilities of a higher-ranking position.
- Commuter Allowance: Supports daily transport needs for officers who commute to work.
- Leave Allowance: Paid during annual leave periods.
- Uniform Maintenance: Covers the cost of uniforms and gear required for duty.
How Are Promotions and Salary Increments Determined?
Promotions and salary increments within the Kenya Prisons Service are determined by a combination of factors, including merit, experience, qualifications, and discipline. However, to be promoted, officers must have served at least two to three years in their current rank. If an officer is noted for strong performance, they may be promoted before the required duration.
The best part of Kenya Prisons’ promotions is that they are directly linked to salary increments. When an officer is promoted from one rank to another, their basic salary may increase significantly, depending on the promotion level. For example, an officer promoted from constable to corporal may see their salary rise from Ksh 22,000 to Ksh 40,000.
FAQs
How much are Kenyan prisoners paid?
Kenyan prisoners are paid between 10 and 20 cents per day, depending on their grade. Grade A prisoners (skilled with exemplary conduct) earn 20 cents daily, Grade B prisoners (semi-skilled) earn 15 cents per day, while Grade C prisoners earn 10 cents per day. This rate has remained unchanged since 1979, as set out in Section 5 of the Kenya Prisons Service Standing Orders.
What is the salary increment for civil servants in 2025 in Kenya?
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved a salary increase for civil servants effective July 1, 2025, costing the government KSh 2.06 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year. This increase is part of Phase I of the Fourth Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle (2025-2029) and covers basic salaries and leave allowances for civil servants under grades CSG1 to CSG17.
How much does GSU earn per month in Kenya?
GSU (General Service Unit) officers earn between Ksh 24,000 and Ksh 30,000 per month at the entry level, depending on their job group. Mid-level officers in higher job groups earn between Ksh 43,000 and Ksh 82,900, while allowances for housing, hardship, risk, and deployment significantly boost their gross monthly pay.
How much is the KFS salary in Kenya?
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) salaries range from Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 50,000 per month for entry-level positions like Assistant Forester, up to Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 300,000 for the Chief Conservator of Forests. Mid-level positions such as Conservator of Forests earn between Ksh 60,000 and Ksh 100,000 monthly. Officers also receive housing allowances (Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 50,000) and commuter allowances (Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 15,000) depending on their rank.
How much does CID earn in Kenya?
The average basic monthly salary for CID (Criminal Investigations Department) officers in Kenya is approximately KSh 61,000 as of 2026. Entry-level CID investigators earn between Ksh 40,000 and Ksh 60,000 per month, while senior officers earn Ksh 100,000 and above, depending on experience and specialization.
Who is Kahariri in Kenya?
General Charles Kahariri is the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Kenya.
