Kenya Police Officers Face Unpaid Allowances and Welfare Concerns

Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat has disclosed that police officers are owed KSh70 million in allowances. He raised the concern before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, asking lawmakers to consider additional funding in the next supplementary budget to settle the outstanding amounts. Lagat stated that some officers have gone without payments for up to three months, affecting their welfare and the police service's ability to clear the arrears.

The welfare of police officers has been a pressing concern, with issues extending beyond unpaid allowances. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently stated that police officers feel dissatisfied with the government due to their working environment and certain assignments. Gachagua alleged that officers are being placed in situations conflicting with their professional training and oath of office. President William Ruto has been dealing with police welfare issues, including pay, working conditions, and resources available to officers.

DIG Lagat also highlighted delays in enrolling newly recruited police officers in the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme. Some officers who completed their training were yet to be fully registered under the medical cover, raising concerns about access to healthcare. This issue adds to the list of welfare concerns requiring attention as the government seeks to support police officers.

Lagat requested Parliament to allocate KSh60 million to facilitate the transfer and rotation of officers across the country, particularly ahead of the 2027 General Election. The proposed exercise involves officers moving between different parts of Kenya, including Mandera, Busia, and Narok. He emphasized that the transfers should occur early enough to allow officers to familiarize themselves with their new stations before the election period.

Officials from the General Service Unit (GSU) also made requests to Parliament, seeking increased funding for accommodation, equipment, and allowances for officers deployed to demanding operational environments. GSU Superintendent of Police Benard Kibet Yegon stated that some officers live in deteriorating tents, and called for investment in semi-permanent housing to improve living conditions.

The GSU further requested a review of the KSh2,000 monthly allowance paid to officers in the specialized unit, citing risks and demands associated with their assignments. They also sought funding to introduce a special operations allowance and establish five operational commands. National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security chairman Gabriel Tongoyo stated that lawmakers would assess the requests and identify priority areas for consideration in the next supplementary budget.

Police officers receive various allowances in addition to their basic salaries, with entitlements depending on their ranks, duty stations, and eligibility under the applicable remuneration structure. The outcome of the deliberations will determine which police funding needs are prioritized in the forthcoming budgetary process.

Key points

• Police officers in Kenya are owed KSh70 million in allowances.
• The welfare of police officers has been a pressing concern, with issues extending beyond unpaid allowances.
• The Kenya Police Service is seeking additional funding to address welfare concerns and operational needs.