The Kenyan government is facing a substantial financial hurdle as it requires Ksh 106 billion to increase salaries and allowances for officers in the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Services (KPS), and National Youth Services (NYS), following recommendations from the David Maraga task force.
Implementing these changes, which are being rolled out in three phases, began with a 20% increase on July 1, with two more phases planned. Principal Secretary for Internal Security, Raymond Omollo, informed lawmakers that mobilizing these funds internally remains challenging. An additional Ksh 28.6 billion is also needed to modernize the NPS comprehensively.
PS Omollo highlighted the slow implementation of the report, citing financial constraints and resistance to change among officers due to entrenched organizational culture. The government has implemented 57% of NPS-specific recommendations and is pushing legal reforms within the NPS Act. These include establishing a forensic lab, restructuring police housing, and amending regulations to improve the effectiveness of the service.
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo echoed public concerns, urging complete implementation to prevent this report from being shelved like previous ones. Lawmakers call for urgency to realize the full scope of these reforms, setting a new standard for Kenya’s security services.
