The Commissioner General of Prisons, Patrick Aranduh, has announced significant structural reforms within the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), including the promotion of at least 539 senior prison officers. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations, improve professional development, and enhance service delivery within the organization.
Key among the reforms is the creation of the Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) rank, designed to improve the hierarchy within the service and better align the Kenya Prisons Service ranks with those of the National Police Service (NPS). Additionally, the rank of Commissioner of Prisons (CP) has been introduced, merging the previous positions of Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons (DCP) to form this new rank.
The reform also includes the separation of the Inspector of Prisons rank from the Senior Sergeant rank, establishing clearer distinctions between the two. These changes are aimed at streamlining the ranks and creating a more organized and efficient structure within the Kenya Prisons Service.
“These changes underscore the dedication of the Kenya Prisons Service to professional growth, better ranking structures, and the delivery of quality services,” Aranduh stated. “This marks the first series of promotions under my leadership, and we are committed to improving the service through systematic reforms.”
The restructuring is part of the broader recommendations made by the Maraga Report, which was handed over to the government in December 2023. Among the report’s findings were significant challenges facing the Kenya Prisons Service, including a 40% annual funding deficit since 2008, poor infrastructure, and management issues. The report also highlighted the dehumanizing living conditions for both inmates and officers, including dilapidated housing and inadequate sanitation facilities.
As a result, the National Taskforce on the Improvement of Terms and Conditions of Service has called for a comprehensive vetting of all senior prison officers within six months. The report also recommends raising the minimum entry age to 21 years, enhancing training for recruits, and addressing the issue of rank stagnation, which has led to widespread dissatisfaction among junior officers.
In a significant move, the report recommends salary increments for junior officers, with an increase of up to 50% for those in lower ranks. The task force also proposed the creation of new grades for junior officers to address morale and ensure career progression.
These recommendations aim to resolve leadership challenges, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the overall conditions within the Kenya Prisons Service, ultimately contributing to a more effective and professional organization.
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