A recent report presented to a parliamentary committee has shed light on the uneven ethnic representation within the Kenya Prison Service, with the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, and Kamba communities taking the lead in employment statistics.
The data on the composition of uniformed officers paints a clear picture: the Kalenjin community boasts the highest number, with 5,723 officers, closely followed by the Kikuyu community at 5,335.
The Kamba community secures the third-largest representation, with 3,278 officers, while the Luyha and Kisii communities follow with 2,891 and 2,536 officers, respectively. The Luo community rounds out the top ranks with 2,684 officers.
A concerning trend emerges when examining the last three recruitment cycles in 2019, 2020, and 2022, where approximately 7,161 officers enlisted were from the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, and Kamba communities.
During the presentation of the report to the National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity Committee, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki acknowledged these disparities and pledged to prioritize inclusivity in future recruitments.
At the same time, he recognized the severe underrepresentation of ethnic groups such as Orma (75), Rendile (62), Taveta (39), Dorobo (27), Elmolo (3), Kenya European (1), and Kenya Arab (1).
Kindiki openly admitted deficiencies in the recruitment process for senior-ranking prison officers, voicing his concerns during an appearance before the National Assembly Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities. He pointed out that these flawed processes negatively affect the morale of career officers aspiring to attain top positions within the organization.
Heading the Kenya Prisons is Brigadier (Rtd) John Kibaso Warioba, a former military officer. Kindiki stressed the necessity of reviewing the current hiring process to ensure that individuals with a background in prison service receive consideration for high-ranking positions in correctional services.
To address these concerns, Kindiki disclosed that the government is in the process of developing a concrete roadmap and matrix to streamline career progression and succession management across the Kenya Prisons Service and other uniformed security agencies.
Kindiki emphasized that this initiative aims to create transparent opportunities for young officers to ascend to management positions, ultimately eradicating corruption, favoritism, and patronage.
According to the CS, the service currently employs 23,878 male officers and 7,349 female officers, totaling 31,227 officers, and the government is actively strategizing to bridge the personnel gap.
Kindiki asserted that the Kenya Prisons Service workforce reflects the diversity of the nation, with no single ethnic community exceeding one-third of the uniformed staff population.
In a bid to further promote equity in the recruitment of prison officers, Kindiki stated that the State Department for Correctional Services will continue to sensitize communities across the country to apply for positions and participate in recruitment processes at the Sub-County level.
The Interior CS urged citizens to report any instances of officers soliciting or receiving bribes for immediate action, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption.
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