Kenya Police Salary 2024 [Updated Salary Scale and Allowances]

Ever wondered how much Kenya’s police officers earn? Well, it’s not as simple as a fixed number. The pay depends on factors like education, experience, and rank. The Kenya police salary is always a bit of a hot topic.

Why? Because many officers feel their pay doesn’t match the big responsibilities they handle every day. Although the salary scale has been adjusted many times over the years, the changing economic conditions in the country make it hard for this salary to keep up. 

So, How much do Kenya Police earn monthly? Let’s find out. 

Kenya Police Salary Scale in 2024

The biggest determiner of Kenya police salary is rank. This means that the higher you rank, the more you earn. 

Here is an updated salary scale showing how much police officers in Kenya earn based on their ranks. 

Factors Affecting Kenya Police Salary

The salary scale above gives a general picture of how much police officers earn per month. However, these salaries are not set in stone. They keep changing depending on several factors such as: 

• Job group
• Rank
• Years of experience
• Educational level 

Although job group and rank are slightly similar in some ways, we will discuss them separately to help you understand better. 

1. Job Group

In the Kenya Police Service, officers are categorized into different job groups usually based on education, years of experience, and rank. Specifically, the Kenya Police Force is structured into 12 job groups, namely F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, and S. Officers with O-level certificates (or an equivalent KCSE mean grade) fall under job group “F,” including police constables. On the other hand, those with degrees are classified in job group “J.” 

It’s worth noting that despite the general trend, there are instances where officers in prominent positions may not hold a degree. This is often because they were promoted before the government enacted policies requiring high-ranking officers to hold degrees.

Basically, the higher your job group, the more you earn. For instance, officers in job group J will earn more than those in F while those in R will earn more than those in M. 

This is because higher job groups are associated with more demanding roles, and consequently, they attract higher pay. As officers move up the job group ladder, their salaries increase, reflecting the added responsibilities and skills they require in these positions.

2. Rank

The hierarchical structure within the police force assigns ranks to officers, such as constable, sergeant, inspector, and beyond. Each rank corresponds to a specific level of authority and responsibility. As one progresses in rank, their salary tends to rise accordingly. 

Ranks not only signify a higher level of expertise and experience but also come with increased expectations in terms of leadership and decision-making. Therefore, promotions to higher ranks are often accompanied by salary adjustments to align with the augmented scope of duties.

3. Years of Experience

The principle of experience-based remuneration holds true in the Kenya Police Service. Officers who accumulate more years in service are generally rewarded with incremental increases in their salaries. This reflects the idea that with time comes a wealth of practical knowledge and skills, making seasoned officers invaluable assets to the force. 

The incentive to retain experienced personnel is embedded in the salary structure, acknowledging the importance of their contributions to the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service.

4. Educational Level

Education serves as a significant factor in shaping Kenya police salaries. Officers with higher educational qualifications often receive additional compensation. 

This practice is rooted in the belief that advanced education enhances an officer’s analytical and problem-solving abilities, contributing to better decision-making on the job.

Therefore, those with degrees, diplomas, or other relevant certifications may receive higher pay compared to their counterparts with lower educational qualifications.

Recent News on Kenya Police Salary

In February 2023, The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) proposed several measures to a task force aimed at improving the conditions of police and prison officers. In their suggestions, the NPSC urged for a 79% increase in the basic salary of police constables, emphasizing the necessity for a long-overdue salary review. ¹

Additionally, the NPSC recommended a rotational headship policy for the Inspector General of Police, suggesting a system where the position would alternate among the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police (APS), and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Other proposals included amending the NPS Act to prevent individuals outside the DCI from leading it, medical cover for recruits during training, and a minimum one-year continuous service at a duty station before transfer. The NPSC also suggested a specific transfer window between late November and mid-December each year.

Eliud Kinuthia, NPSC’s chairperson, emphasized the importance of focusing on salary and allowances for officers, proposing that the President appoint the Inspector General based on Parliament’s suggestions. The commission aimed to recruit civilians for non-core duties, intending to enhance officer welfare, establish a fair transfer system, and boost overall morale.

Following this proposal, Police officers will receive a 40% salary increase starting from July 2024, according to recent reports. ²

Kenya Police Salary – FAQs

1. NTV Kenya, Police Service Commission pushes for upward review of police officer salaries and rotation of IG 
2. The Star, Police to receive salary increase in July – Gachagua