Are you interested in becoming a correctional officer in Kenya? Do you want to know what it takes to work in the prisons and correctional facilities in the country? If yes, then this blog post is for you. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about the correctional officer career in Kenya, including:
- How to become a correctional officer in Kenya
- Roles and responsibilities of a correctional officer in Kenya
- Qualifications and requirements for a correctional officer in Kenya
- Benefits and challenges of being a correctional officer in Kenya
- Salaries and allowances of correctional officers in Kenya
- Other careers related to correctional officer
- Where can correctional officers work in Kenya
- Which universities and colleges are best to study correctional officer career in Kenya
How to become a Correctional Officer in Kenya
A correctional officer is a law enforcement officer who works in prisons and correctional facilities to ensure the safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders. Correctional officers are also known as prison officers, prison warders, or prison guards.
To become a correctional officer in Kenya, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid national identity card
- You must be aged between 18 and 28 years
- You must have a minimum of KCSE mean grade D+ (plus) or its equivalent
- You must be physically and medically fit
- You must have good conduct and no criminal record
- You must pass the aptitude test, oral interview, and medical examination conducted by the Kenya Prisons Service
If you meet the above criteria, you can apply for the correctional officer recruitment exercise that is usually advertised by the Kenya Prisons Service through the media and online platforms. You will need to fill an application form and attach copies of your academic certificates, national identity card, and other relevant documents. You will also need to pay a non-refundable fee of Ksh. 1,000.
The recruitment process involves several stages, such as:
- Shortlisting of applicants based on their qualifications and suitability
- Aptitude test to assess the applicants’ general knowledge, numerical skills, verbal reasoning, and logical thinking
- Oral interview to evaluate the applicants’ communication skills, personality, attitude, and motivation
- Medical examination to check the applicants’ physical and mental health, vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other vital signs
- Background check to verify the applicants’ identity, criminal record, and character references
- Training at the Prisons Staff Training College (PSTC) for nine months
The training at the PSTC covers both theoretical and practical aspects of correctional work, such as:
- Prisons Act and Regulations
- Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code
- Human Rights and Ethics
- Security Procedures and Tactics
- Offender Management and Rehabilitation
- First Aid and Fire Fighting
- Physical Fitness and Drill
Upon successful completion of the training, the trainees are awarded a certificate of service and posted to various prisons and correctional facilities across the country.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Correctional Officer in Kenya
A correctional officer in Kenya performs various duties and responsibilities depending on their rank, assignment, and situation. Some of the common roles and responsibilities of a correctional officer in Kenya are:
- Maintaining order and discipline among the inmates and staff within the prison or correctional facility
- Enforcing the rules and regulations of the prison or correctional facility
- Conducting searches, counts, escorts, patrols, and inspections within the prison or correctional facility
- Supervising the inmates’ activities, such as work, education, recreation, counseling, and visitation
- Providing care and assistance to the inmates, such as food, clothing, medical attention, and personal hygiene
- Responding to emergencies, such as riots, fires, escapes, assaults, suicides, or accidents within the prison or correctional facility
- Preparing reports and records on the inmates’ behavior, progress, incidents, or complaints within the prison or correctional facility
- Liaising with other stakeholders, such as courts, probation officers, social workers, lawyers, or family members regarding the inmates’ cases or welfare
Qualifications and Requirements for a Correctional Officer in Kenya
As mentioned earlier, to become a correctional officer in Kenya, you need to have a minimum of KCSE mean grade D+ (plus) or its equivalent. However, if you want to advance your career or specialize in a certain field within the correctional service, you may need to pursue further education or training.
Some of the qualifications and requirements for a correctional officer in Kenya are:
- Diploma or degree in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or any related field from a recognized institution
- Certificate or diploma in security management, correctional administration, forensic science, or any related field from a recognized institution
- Certificate or diploma in counseling, guidance, or any related field from a recognized institution
- Certificate or diploma in computer skills, communication skills, leadership skills, or any related field from a recognized institution
- Certificate or diploma in first aid, fire fighting, or any related field from a recognized institution
- Membership or registration with a relevant professional body, such as the Kenya Institute of Criminology and Forensic Studies (KICFS), the Kenya Counseling and Psychological Association (KCPA), or the Kenya Prisons Service Association (KPSA)
Benefits and Challenges of Being a Correctional Officer in Kenya
Being a correctional officer in Kenya has its benefits and challenges. Some of the benefits of being a correctional officer in Kenya are:
- You get to serve your country and contribute to public safety and security
- You get to help offenders to reform and reintegrate into society
- You get to learn new skills and gain valuable experience in the correctional field
- You get to enjoy job security and career progression opportunities
- You get to earn a decent salary and allowances
- You get to enjoy other benefits, such as pension, medical cover, housing, transport, or leave
Some of the challenges of being a correctional officer in Kenya are:
- You face various risks and dangers, such as violence, disease, injury, or death
- You work under stressful and demanding conditions, such as long hours, shift work, overcrowding, or isolation
- You deal with various problems and issues, such as corruption, discrimination, harassment, or abuse
- You cope with various emotions and feelings, such as anger, fear, frustration, or depression
- You balance between your personal and professional life, such as family, friends, or hobbies
Salaries and Allowances of Correctional Officers in Kenya
The salaries and allowances of correctional officers in Kenya depend on their rank, experience, and location. The higher the rank, the more the salary and allowances. The more the experience, the more the salary and allowances. The more the location, the more the salary and allowances.
According to Kenyan Magazine, the average monthly salary of a correctional officer in Kenya is around Ksh. 35,000. The minimum monthly salary of a correctional officer in Kenya is around Ksh. 22,000. The maximum monthly salary of a correctional officer in Kenya is around Ksh. 430,000.
The following table shows the salary scale of correctional officers in Kenya by rank:
| Rank | Salary (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Constable of Prisons | 22,000 |
| Corporal of Prisons | 28,000 |
| Sergeant of Prisons | 33,000 |
| Senior Sergeant of Prisons | 38,000 |
| Inspector of Prisons | 155,000 |
| Chief Inspector of Prisons | 161,000 |
| Superintendent of Prisons | 170,000 |
| Senior Superintendent of Prisons | 189,000 |
| Assistant Commissioner of Prisons | 201,000 |
| Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons | 227,000 |
| Deputy Commissioner of Prisons | 256,000 |
| Senior Deputy Commissioner of Prisons | 323,000 |
| Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons | 430,000 |
Apart from the basic salary, correctional officers in Kenya also earn various allowances, such as:
- House Allowance: Ksh. 10,000
- Commuter Allowance: Ksh. 3,000
- Leave Allowance
- Extraneous Allowance
- Special Duty Allowance
- Hardship Allowance
Other Careers Related to Correctional Officer
If you are interested in working in the correctional field but not as a correctional officer, there are other careers related to correctional officer that you can pursue. Some of these careers are:
1. Probation Officer
A probation officer is a law enforcement officer who supervises offenders who are on probation or parole. Probation officers monitor the offenders’ compliance with the court orders and provide them with guidance and support.
2. Social Worker
A social worker is a professional who helps individuals, families, groups, or communities to cope with their problems and improve their well-being. Social workers provide services such as counseling, advocacy, referral, or intervention.
3. Counselor
A counselor is a professional who helps individuals, groups, or organizations to deal with their personal, social, emotional, or behavioral issues. Counselors use various techniques such as listening, questioning, explaining, or advising to help their clients.
4. Psychologist
A psychologist is a professional who studies human behavior and mental processes. Psychologists use scientific methods to conduct research, assessments, diagnoses, or treatments on various psychological issues
5. Criminologist
A criminologist is a professional who studies crime and criminal behavior. Criminologists use various theories and methods to analyze the causes, effects, prevention, and control of crime and criminal justice.
6. Lawyer
A lawyer is a professional who practices law and represents clients in legal matters. Lawyers use various skills and knowledge to advise, negotiate, draft, or litigate on behalf of their clients.
7. Teacher
A teacher is a professional who educates students and facilitates their learning. Teachers use various strategies and techniques to plan, deliver, assess, and evaluate the curriculum and the students’ progress.
Where can Correctional Officers Work in Kenya
Correctional officers in Kenya can work in various places within the correctional service. Some of the places where correctional officers can work in Kenya are:
1. Prisons
Prisons are institutions where offenders are confined and deprived of their liberty as a punishment for their crimes.
Also they are classified into three categories in Kenya: maximum security, medium security, and minimum security.
Correctional officers in prisons are responsible for ensuring the safe custody, discipline, and rehabilitation of the inmates.
2. Borstal Institutions
Borstal institutions are institutions where young offenders aged between 15 and 17 years are detained and reformed.
These institutions are meant to provide education, training, guidance, and counseling to the young offenders.
Correctional officers in borstal institutions are responsible for supervising and mentoring the young offenders.
3. Youth Correctional Training Centres (YCTCs)
YCTCs are institutions where young offenders aged between 18 and 21 years are detained and reformed.
YCTCs are meant to provide vocational training, life skills, and social integration to the young offenders. Correctional officers in YCTCs are responsible for facilitating and monitoring the training and reintegration of the young offenders.
4. Probation Hostels
Probation hostels are institutions where offenders who are on probation or non-custodial sentences are accommodated and supervised.
They are also meant to provide a supportive environment, counseling, and rehabilitation to the offenders.
Correctional officers in probation hostels are responsible for enforcing the probation orders and assisting the offenders.
5. Halfway Houses
Halfway houses are institutions where offenders who are released from prison or borstal institutions are accommodated and supervised.
They are also meant to provide a transitional environment, aftercare, and reintegration to the offenders.
Correctional officers in halfway houses are responsible for supporting and monitoring the offenders.
Which Universities and Colleges are Best to Study Correctional Officer Career in Kenya
If you want to pursue further education or training in the correctional officer career in Kenya, there are several universities and colleges that offer courses related to correctional officer career in Kenya. Some of these universities and colleges are:
1. University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi is one of the oldest and largest public universities in Kenya. It offers various courses related to correctional officer career in Kenya, such as Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Sociology, Master of Laws, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.
2. Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University is one of the leading public universities in Kenya. It offers various courses related to correctional officer career in Kenya, such as Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Sociology, Master of Laws, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Security Studies, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.
3. Moi University
Moi University is one of the prominent public universities in Kenya. It offers various courses related to correctional officer career in Kenya, such as Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Penology, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts in Criminology and Penology, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Sociology, Master of Laws, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Penology, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.
4. Egerton University
Egerton University is one of the reputable public universities in Kenya. It offers various courses related to correctional officer career in Kenya, such as Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Sociology, Master of Laws, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.
5. Kenya Institute of Criminology and Forensic Studies (KICFS)
KICFS is one of the leading private institutions in Kenya that specializes in criminology and forensic studies. It offers various courses related to correctional officer career in Kenya, such as Certificate in Criminology and Forensic Studies, Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Studies, Higher Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Studies, Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Forensic Studies, Master of Science in Criminology and Forensic Studies, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Forensic Studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many prisons and correctional facilities are there in Kenya?
According to the Kenya Prisons Service, there are 129 prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya as of 2020. These include 86 prisons, 15 borstal institutions, 8 youth correctional training centres, 8 probation hostels, 6 halfway houses, 4 women prisons, and 2 remand prisons.
How many correctional officers are there in Kenya?
According to the Kenya Prisons Service, there are 23,000 correctional officers in Kenya as of 2020. These include 18,000 prison officers, 3,000 probation officers, and 2,000 aftercare officers.
What are the challenges facing the correctional service in Kenya?
Some of the challenges facing the correctional service in Kenya are:
1. Overcrowding: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are operating beyond their capacity, resulting in poor living conditions, health risks, security threats, and human rights violations for the inmates and staff.
2. Underfunding: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are underfunded, resulting in inadequate resources, facilities, equipment, and personnel for the effective delivery of correctional services.
3. Corruption: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are plagued by corruption, resulting in unethical practices, abuse of power, mismanagement of funds, and violation of laws and regulations by some of the staff and inmates.
4. Rehabilitation: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are facing challenges in providing adequate rehabilitation programs and services for the inmates, resulting in low rates of reformation and high rates of recidivism.
5. Reintegration: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are facing challenges in facilitating the successful reintegration of the inmates into society, resulting in stigma, discrimination, rejection, and marginalization by some of the family members, employers, and community members.
What are the opportunities for the correctional service in Kenya?
Some of the opportunities for the correctional service in Kenya are:
1. Reform: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are undergoing various reforms to improve their performance, efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Some of these reforms include legal reforms, policy reforms, administrative reforms, structural reforms, and operational reforms.
2. Innovation: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are embracing various innovations to enhance their service delivery, quality, and impact. Some of these innovations include digitalization, modernization, diversification, and collaboration.
3. Empowerment: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are empowering their staff and inmates to achieve their potential, goals, and aspirations. Some of these empowerment initiatives include training, education, skills development, counseling, and mentorship.
4. Transformation: The prisons and correctional facilities in Kenya are transforming their culture, attitude, and mindset to foster a positive, professional, and progressive environment. Some of these transformation strategies include awareness, sensitization, motivation, and recognition.
Bizhack Kenya Also wrote an informative article about Law enforcement Officer in Kenya roles and Salaries if you are still curious to learn more.