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Nairobi, Kenya – The National Police Service Commission (NPSC), under the leadership of Chairman Eliud Kinuthia, has announced a series of significant developments aimed at enhancing the welfare, morale, and operational efficiency of police officers across the country. These announcements come as part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to fulfill the recommendations of the Maraga Taskforce, which focused on improving the conditions of service within the National Police Service (NPS).
Promotions on Hold, Pending Appointment of Substantive Inspector General
Chairman Kinuthia revealed that the NPSC has temporarily requested the Acting Inspector General to hold off on promotions based on merit until a substantive Inspector General is appointed. Despite this temporary pause, the commission has already determined and approved promotions for various ranks. Specifically, the following promotions have been sanctioned:
- Chief Inspectors: 31
- Inspectors: 88
- Senior Sergeants: 84
- Sergeants: 98
- Police Constables: 629
Additionally, promotions for five gazetted officers, which cannot be delegated, have also been approved.
Salary Increases Across the Ranks
In line with the Maraga Taskforce’s recommendations, the NPSC has undertaken a comprehensive review of police officers’ salaries. The new salary structure includes a notable increase for Police Constables and Senior Assistant Inspector Generals (SAIGs).
- Police Constables: The salary for constables has been increased from KSh 21,645 to KSh 25,645, an increment of KSh 4,000. Constables with the longest service may now earn over KSh 60,000.
- Senior Assistant Inspector Generals (SAIGs): The SAIGs have received a KSh 21,000 increase in their salaries, bringing the minimum salary to KSh 310,725 and the maximum to KSh 409,365.
Kinuthia emphasized that the commission is committed to providing incremental notches every year to ensure continued motivation and fair compensation for the officers.
Special Consideration for Officers Nearing Retirement
The NPSC has also addressed concerns regarding Police Constables aged 53 to 59, many of whom have served for over 30 years without promotion. In response to complaints and as a measure to boost morale, the Acting Inspector General recommended these officers for promotion based on merit. A total of 1,957 police officers, including 87 females, will benefit from this initiative as they approach retirement.
In addition, the NPSC has prepared a send-off package for these officers, enabling them to retire honorably after decades of dedicated service.
Upcoming Promotions for Gazetted Officers
The commission also announced that 186 police officers currently holding the rank of Chief Inspector of Police and who have completed higher or senior training courses will soon be promoted. These officers will be subjected to promotion interviews, with successful candidates entering the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and joining the cadre of gazetted officers.
Commitment to Fairness and Constitutionalism
Chairman Kinuthia reiterated the NPSC’s commitment to fair competition, merit-based appointments, and promotions. He underscored the commission’s mandate to protect the sovereignty of the people and promote constitutionalism within the NPS. The commission will continue to determine appropriate remuneration for police officers in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) as stipulated in Section 10 (1) b of the NPS Act.
Furthermore, while the NPSC delegates certain functions to the Inspector General for efficiency, promotions to ranks from ASP to SAIG remain exclusively within the commission’s purview.
Chairman Kinuthia concluded by reassuring the public that the Inspector General has performed diligently and that there is no cause for alarm within the NPS. The commission remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that all officers are treated fairly and that their service to the nation is recognized and rewarded appropriately.
