Prisons crisis looms: Wardens protest delayed pay rise, poor conditions
A crisis is looming at Kenyan Prisons after wardens launched a nationwide go-slow over the non-payment of the promised 13% salary increment by the end of July, as well as poor working conditions and other issues.
The wardens are angered by the decision of the correctional services to delay their payment and failure to include the 4,000 shillings salary increment as directed by President William Ruto.
NTV reports on the frustrations of thousands of workers toiling day and night in nearly 120 correctional services across the country.
The go-slow began on Wednesday evening after prison wardens received their normal pay minus the expected 13% salary increase. The payment was late and did not meet their expectations, intimated a correctional officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“Back in July 2023, there was also a 3% increase that was never implemented, but our police counterparts received it.”
Following heated conversations in different WhatsApp groups dominated by prisons officers across the country, there are suspicions that group administrators were instructed to control the discussion by blocking members from typing.
“I suspect they formed other WhatsApp groups because when I woke up, I found 200 people had left, meaning they joined another one.”
The wardens complained of continued discrimination from their Kenya Police counterparts.
“This is not the first time. Whenever there is a raise, prisons have to wait longer. Who is sleeping on their job? This is the question these guys are raising.”
The effect of the failed increment was witnessed in prisons across the country, as several officers failed to turn up to their workstations this morning.
“Right now, many people are absent. They are so mad because they have no place to vent their anger. We are disciplined officers, and we hold guns. Imagine someone who is hungry or angry at the same time having that gun.”
The salary issue has also highlighted the harsh working conditions many have been subjected to, including delayed promotions, intimidation, and threats.
“Someone was employed in 1983, and someone else in 2015. The 2015 person, I will not say it is merit, but you will be surprised that they have risen to the rank of inspector while the older one remains just a constable. What benefit would it be if this person is given even a corporal rank after 20/23 years of service?”
Junior officers say they have never been issued new uniforms and shoes despite serving for more than 15 years.
“Like the constables, you will be surprised we buy our own uniforms. Since the time I was employed till now, I have only two uniforms, those issued out of college.”
“After six years, I bought another pair, not that I was given the uniforms that come every year. They are given to the senior most.”
“I have served the prison service for the last 16 years. I don’t remember the last time I was issued a uniform or material.”
They also complained of nepotism and unfair promotion within the service.
Similarly, the warders have decried discrepancies in the minimum risk allowance between the regular police and the prison.
“In the payslip, we have an allowance called police/prison allowance. It was supposed to be Sh9000 flat rate, but prisons get Sh7000.”
The officers say that the ongoing go-slow will have a detrimental effect on not only the correctional facilities but also the justice system.
“The wardens escort prisoners to court daily. With the go-slow, prisoners might arrive at court late, thereby frustrating the legal process.”
A communication from the Commissioner General of Police to the prisons, dated August 1, sought to calm the warders and noted that the officers will receive their increment arrears in August.
“The salary increase is effective starting from July 1, 2024. Staff members will receive their salary increment in August 2024 alongside the arrears for July 2024,” read part of the communiqué.
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