NAIROBI, Kenya — Forty-one officers from the Kenya Prisons Service have been recognised with Presidential Awards and Honours in recognition of their dedication, exceptional service and achievements in the correctional system.
The officers, drawn from different ranks within the service, were honoured during a ceremony presided over by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Mwiti Aranduh on August 14.
Aranduh said the recognition extended beyond the individual recipients, representing the collective efforts of colleagues and institutions that support prison officers in carrying out their responsibilities.
“While these honours are conferred upon individuals, they represent a collective achievement of the Kenya Prisons Service. Every award reflects the dedication, teamwork and support of colleagues and institutions that enable our officers to discharge their duties,” Aranduh said.
Senior Sergeant Douglas Mulando honoured
Among the officers recognised was Senior Sergeant Douglas Mulando, who received the Head of State Commendation (HSC).
Mulando was also recognised for his achievements in sport, having established himself as a weightlifting champion.
The Kenya Prisons Service said his sporting accomplishments had brought pride to the institution and demonstrated the diverse talents and abilities of its officers beyond their regular correctional duties.
The service said the awards recognised the commitment, teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by officers in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Presidential recognition of prison officers
Presidential honours provide national recognition to Kenya Prisons Service officers who demonstrate exceptional performance, bravery, discipline or sustained commitment to duty.
Among the honours available to prison officers is the Head of State Commendation, alongside various service and long-service medals.
The awards may be conferred during official ceremonies involving officers serving in different ranks across the correctional system.
The recognition serves both to honour individual achievements and to highlight the wider role of the Kenya Prisons Service in maintaining secure custody, supporting rehabilitation and preparing inmates for reintegration into society.
Understanding Kenya Prisons Service ranks
The Kenya Prisons Service operates a structured hierarchy stretching from the Commissioner General of Prisons to officers at the entry level.
At the top is the Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP), who heads the service. The senior command structure also includes the Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (DCGP), Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons (ACGP) and Senior Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons (SACGP).
The senior officer category includes the Commissioner of Prisons (CP), Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP), Superintendent of Prisons (SP) and Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP).
The Commissioner of Prisons position was created through restructuring of the former Assistant and Deputy Commissioner ranks, while the Assistant Superintendent serves as an intermediate rank within the hierarchy.
Below the senior officers is the inspectorate level, comprising the Chief Inspector of Prisons and Inspector of Prisons. The Inspector rank was separated from the Senior Sergeant category to establish it as an independent rank.
The next level consists of Senior Sergeant, Sergeant and Corporal.
At the entry level are Prison Constables, commonly known as warders, who form the foundation of the correctional service.
