Govt to construct 28K houses for prison officers – Ruto
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, February 26, 2026President William Ruto has also announced that the Kenya Prison Department will benefit from a housing programme that will accommodate over 5000 prison officers in 28000 housing units.
Speaking during a passout ceremony of new officers at the Prison Staff Training Unit in Ruiru on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Ruto has said that this programme will be completed in 4 years as part of the programme to improve the welfare of the officers in recognition of their vital contribution to keeping security and discipline in the correctional facilities within the country.
“You have my commitment as we embark on building professional cadres in all our security agencies. In fulfilment of the government’s commitment to the welfare of those who serve our nation, I have directed the state department for housing and urban development to build 28k institutional units for our Kenyan prisons department,” Ruto said.
The State Department of Housing and Urban Development has been instructed by me to construct a total of 28,000 institutional units for the Kenyan Prisons Department as part of my promise to ensure the welfare of the Kenyan government officials, as they serve our country and its people.
It is anticipated that the programme will be accomplished in a period of four years and is a part of a bigger plan to modernise correctional services in Kenya.
The government, according to the president, will guarantee quality accommodation to eventually make sure that prison officers are able to deliver their services better with better living standards.
This accommodation project is considered to be a huge step in enhancing the morale of the officers and their families, who, in most cases, find it difficult owing to low housing and scarce welfare services.
It is also anticipated that the building of institutional housing will enhance the professionalism of the service, recruit and keep talented employees and improve the work of the entire prison system.
Salary increment for prisoners officers
Investment in salaries and living standards will help the administration to make sure that the prison officers in Kenya are more prepared and motivated and that they are being appreciated due to the vital role they play in the safety of the nation. Kenya has moved to a point nearer to a more modern, better-supported and professional correctional service with this landmark programme that can respond to the increasing needs of society in respect to the safety and discipline of the institutions.