PS Raymond Omollo Issues Progress Report on Police, Prisons and NYS Reforms

The government has achieved 55 percent implementation of reforms across the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service, according to Raymond Omollo.

Speaking during a progress update, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration said the reforms—over 500 in total—are aimed at strengthening efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across the three security institutions.

Omollo, who also chairs the National Steering Committee overseeing the reforms, said the progress reflects coordinated efforts involving multiple government agencies and oversight bodies, including the National Police Service Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and Public Service Commission.

“We report notable achievement in the implementation of the reforms as sanctioned by the President. We are currently at about 55 percent,” he said, adding that the bulk of reforms are within the police service, followed by prisons and the youth service.

Among the key milestones is the completion of administrative changes that did not require legislative amendments or additional funding. The government has also implemented the second phase of salary reviews for officers, with a final phase expected from July 1, 2026.

Omollo said the pay adjustments are projected to result in up to a 40 percent increase in remuneration, significantly boosting morale, particularly among junior officers.

The government has also stepped up recruitment to address staffing gaps caused by retirements and attrition. 

At least 10,000 police constables are currently undergoing training, while more than 3,800 prison officers recently graduated to reinforce the workforce.

In addition, efforts are underway to harmonise job groups and improve human resource management across the services, with support from key state agencies.

On infrastructure, the PS noted progress in modernising equipment, particularly within the police service, alongside ongoing investments in housing. More than 5,000 housing units are under construction to address a shortage affecting over half of officers across the three services.

Legislative reforms are also in progress, with several bills at public participation stage or awaiting tabling in Parliament. These include proposals to strengthen forensic evidence management, improve public engagement, and enhance oversight mechanisms.

Omollo highlighted the growing role of technology in policing, citing planned adoption of body-worn cameras, expanded CCTV surveillance, and improved use of digital evidence to support investigations and prosecutions.

“We need to better capture and utilise evidence, while also embracing technology to improve how we manage crime,” he said.

He added that partnerships with the private sector, particularly in leveraging existing surveillance systems, will be key in enhancing national security as the population grows.

Despite the progress, Omollo acknowledged that about 45 percent of the reforms remain incomplete, expressing confidence that the government will deliver the remaining measures within the next year.

He emphasised that the reforms are critical to improving public safety and ensuring security agencies are better equipped to serve Kenyans.

“These officers serve the public every day. It is important that we support them while assuring citizens of better security services,” he said.