NAIROBI, Kenya- Entry-level police constables now receive approximately Sh49,000 in cumulative monthly remuneration following the completion of a three-phase salary review, President William Ruto has announced.
Speaking during the 50th General Service Unit Recruits Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi “B” Campus, Ruto said the review had delivered a 36 per cent increase in entry-level basic pay, alongside corresponding adjustments across other ranks.
“We have implemented the three-phase review of police remuneration, delivering a 36 per cent increase in entry-level basic pay, with corresponding adjustments across the ranks,” Ruto said.
“Together with allowances, this brings the cumulative monthly remuneration for an entry-level police constable to approximately Sh49,000.”
The President said the government would continue working with the National Police Service Commission and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to ensure police compensation remained fair and sustainable.
He also announced that the government had developed a pipeline of 137 housing projects comprising more than 28,000 units for police officers under the institutional component of the Affordable Housing Programme.
According to Ruto, 870 housing units have been completed, approximately 12,000 are under construction and more than 1,500 are undergoing procurement. A further 15,000 units are planned.
The housing developments include projects at the GSU headquarters in Ruaraka, the Presidential Escort Unit’s Ruiru Camp and the GSU Training School in Embakasi.
Ruto said the government was also implementing a Sh30 billion Police Modernisation Programme, with Sh21 billion already invested.
The programme covers protective equipment, vehicles, air support, secure communications, surveillance, command-and-control systems and digital capabilities.
Police training is also being strengthened in counterterrorism, intelligence-led operations, public-order management, forensics, cybercrime, emergency response and the lawful use of force.
Medical cover expanded to 8,000 facilities
The President said more than 138,000 police and prison officers and their eligible dependants had been enrolled in the Usalama Cover administered through the Social Health Authority.
The network available to officers has expanded from 973 facilities under the previous private insurance arrangement to more than 8,000 facilities across all 47 counties, he said.
The scheme covers outpatient and inpatient treatment, surgery, maternity care, chronic and pre-existing conditions, dental care, optical services, diagnostic procedures and specialist treatment.
Ruto said digital approvals for eligible services were being processed within 15 minutes.
During the parade, he opened a newly constructed SHA block at the GSU Health Centre in Embakasi. The government is also expanding mental-health and psychosocial services for security officers.
“Courage does not make an officer immune to trauma, and seeking help must never be mistaken for weakness,” he said.
Ruto warns against politicising police
With Kenya approaching the 2027 General Election, Ruto directed police officers to protect political and democratic activities impartially.
He warned political leaders against involving police officers in partisan contests, inciting violence or asking officers to carry out unlawful instructions.
The President said Article 37 of the Constitution protects the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and while unarmed.
He, however, said demonstrations must not be used as cover for violence, intimidation, assault, looting, arson or destruction of property.
“No political objective can excuse criminal conduct. Protect peaceful assembly, protect life and property, and act firmly and lawfully against those who organise, fund, incite or perpetrate violence,” Ruto told the graduating officers.
He urged the new GSU officers to use only the force necessary when responding to security threats and to serve without fear, favour or prejudice.
Ruto said the government would support officers who performed their duties lawfully and professionally while ensuring that misconduct was addressed.
The graduating recruits will join the GSU, whose duties include responding to terrorism and banditry, protecting strategic installations, reinforcing other police units during emergencies and undertaking high-risk protection operations.
