PS Omollo: Security reforms on track as recruitment, pay rises take effect
By Emmanuel Rono, March 25, 2026The government has intensified reforms across the security sector, targeting improved capacity, officer welfare, and modernisation of operations within the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and the National Youth Service.
According to a statement on his X account on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the ongoing changes mark a deliberate shift towards building a more efficient and people-centred security system.
According to the PS, a total of 13,860 officers have so far been recruited, including 10,000 police constables and 3,860 prison constables. The recruitment drive is aimed at addressing staffing gaps, easing workload pressure, and enhancing security presence across the country.
“The ongoing reforms in the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), and the National Youth Service (NYS) mark a deliberate shift to strengthen capacity, improve welfare, and modernise our security sector. So far, 13,860 new officers have been recruited; 10,000 Police Constables and 3,860 Prison Constables, helping to address past gaps, reduce workload, and enhance security presence across the country,” Omollo noted.
Extensive salary review
According to Omollo, the government has implemented the most extensive salary review in the history of disciplined services, with pay increases of up to 40 per cent spread over two years.
He noted that phases one and two of the review have already been completed, with the final phase scheduled for July 2026.
“At the same time, the Government has implemented the most extensive salary review in the history of the disciplined services, with increases of up to 40% over two years. Phases I and II are complete, with the final phase due in July 2026, significantly improving earnings and making the services more competitive,” Omollo said.
Omollo further noted that the reforms put a lot of stress on the well-being of officers.
He said some of the new measures include higher risk and hardship payments and a housing program that is still going on and has so far built about 5,000 housing units, with a goal of 28,000.
Transitioning to SHA
“Welfare reforms also include enhanced risk and hardship allowances, an ongoing housing programme that has delivered about 5,000 units towards a target of 28,000 and a transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA), which offers broader and more comprehensive medical cover,” Omollo noted.
In addition, the PS said key legislative reforms are underway to strengthen accountability, professionalism and operational efficiency, alongside continued investment in modern equipment, communication systems and digitisation of services.