Police Promotions in Kenya Halted Amidst Leadership Uncertainty
In a surprise move, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has put a hold on police promotions in Kenya, pending the appointment of a substantive Inspector General of Police. The decision comes as a response to complaints of stagnation among police officers, with the commission having already approved promotions for 1,957 officers.
According to Eliud Kinuthia, the NPSC Chairperson, the commission had approved the promotions, along with those for civilian staff of the National Police Service (NPS), including fingerprint officers, human resources officers, and office administration officers. The approved promotions are merit-based, with no disciplinary cases against the officers.
"This will enable settling down of those promoted and stabilization of command in the various service formations and units," said Kinuthia. The promotions were approved to address the issue of stagnation among police officers, who had been stuck in the same rank for a long time.
In related news, the NPSC has also increased the basic salaries of entry-level police constables from Sh21,645 to Sh25,645, following recommendations made by the Justice David Maraga-led taskforce. Longest serving police constables will now earn a minimum monthly gross salary of Sh50,145, with allowances of up to a maximum of Sh69,640. The commission also offers incremental notches each year to police officers at different cadres.
Additionally, the salaries for officers in the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General have been increased from a monthly entry-level basic salary of Sh200,899 to Sh221,15, equivalent to a Sh21,026 pay rise.
The halt on police promotions is expected to have a significant impact on the police force, with many officers waiting for their promotions to take effect. The appointment of a substantive Inspector General of Police is seen as a crucial step in resolving the issue and ensuring stability in the police service.
