The Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) is a pivotal institution within the country’s criminal justice system, dedicated to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
As it continues to evolve, KPS offers diverse career opportunities for individuals passionate about public service and social justice.
In this article, WoK delves into the essential requirements for joining the Kenya Prisons Service, outlines the application process, and discusses salary expectations along with other pertinent details.
The Kenya Prisons Service organizes annual recruitment campaigns to enlist both male and female prison constables, general cadet officers, medical cadet officers, and medical technicians.
Candidates interested in applying must present their national identification card, birth certificate, KRA Pin certificate, academic qualifications, and other relevant documents on the recruitment day.
The selection process includes assessments of physical fitness, academic qualifications, background investigations, and interviews to ensure that candidates not only fulfill the physical criteria but also possess the necessary skills and values that align with the mission of the service.
Those who are successful in the recruitment will participate in a government-funded rigorous para-military training program lasting no less than nine months.
The dates for recruitment are publicly announced when they are scheduled, and the specific venues will be revealed during the announcements related to the recruitment exercise.
It is essential for prospective applicants to be aware that Kenya Prisons recruitments typically take place only in sub-counties within a limited number of counties.
An applicant must be a Kenyan citizen, have a valid identification card, have no criminal record, have a KCSE minimum grade of D+ and above or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution and be between the ages of 18-28 years for secondary school leavers.
Applicants must also be at least 5 feet 4 inches tall for men, and 5 feet 2 inches tall for women, be physically and medically fit, and have good hearing and clear vision.
Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of training and during the entire training period.
The lowest rank is constable, reportedly earning Ksh 16,890, while the highest-ranking officer is the Commissioner General of Prisons earning above Ksh 166,780.