President William Ruto has announced that all Kenyan prisoners will be enrolled in Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage to receive better healthcare like other Kenyans. He also declared a salary increase for Kenya Prisons Service officers starting July 1, 2026. These announcements were made during a passing-out parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru.
President William Ruto made these announcements during the 46th Passing Out Parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru on February 26, 2026, where over 3,862 recruits graduated after nine months of rigorous paramilitary and professional training.
On healthcare, Ruto stated that the enrollment process has begun and stands at 56 percent across all prisons. "It is my instruction that all prisoners be registered under SHA, so that whenever they get sick, they can receive proper health treatment just like any other Kenyan," he said. The government will cover insurance premiums through the State Department for Correctional Services, and prisoners without National Identification Cards (IDs) are being registered to speed up the process.
Kenya Prisons data shows approximately 60,000 inmates in 140 penal institutions, including 134 for adult offenders and three for youthful offenders comprising two Borstal Institutions and one Youthful Correctional Training Centre. Through SHA, inmates can access primary healthcare at Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals, while for serious conditions, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund will cover advanced needs.
This aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, with about 30 million Kenyans already registered under SHA.
Regarding salaries, Ruto announced that the first and second phases of the Maraga Taskforce recommendations have been implemented, raising entry-level pay for a prison constable by 36 percent and the overall salary scale by 24 percent. "I therefore take particular pride in the implementation of salary increase for all officers of Kenya Prison Service with the recommendation of the Maraga Taskforce report," he said. Phase Three will take effect from July 1, 2026, to enhance officers' welfare and morale, addressing past concerns over pay and working conditions.
Ruto commended the officers for their vital role in national security, stating, "It is on this enabler of peace and security where you, as prison officers, play a critical and indispensable role by ensuring the safe, humane and secure custody of offenders, maintaining order within correctional facilities." The event was also attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other senior officials.
