State to address succession puzzle at Prisons service – Kindiki

The government has given an undertaking to address career progression and succession arrangements in the leadership of the prison service.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure acknowledged the fault which he said ought to be corrected to ensure only prison officers can rise to take up the topmost position in the service.

At the moment, the service is headed by an ‘outsider’ something the CS said was unfair as it kills the morale of the officers who have aspired to be considered.

“We have been unable to ensure we professionalize the prison service and make it at par such that its leadership is drawn from within and it is almost predetermined that an officer can rise and get to the position,” he said.

He noted that they have had a discussion with current commissioner general John Warioba, a retired military officer, who he said shares a similar view.

“We have sat down with him and agree that that should stop because it is demoralizing when members from other disciplined forces are coming in to head their service,” he remarked.

Kindiki assured the prison officers that “this is the last time an officer outside the service is considered for the position of a commissioner general” noting necessary amendments will be made.

The recommendation, he disclosed, has been captured in the report by the David Maraga-led Taskforce on police reforms.

Warioba was appointed by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in November 2021 following the dismissal of Wycliffe Ogalo.

The CS made the remarks when he appeared before the National Assembly’s Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity.

He was accompanied by Correctional Service Principal Secretary Salome Muhia-Beacco alongside the commissioner general.

On the officers who have stayed in one rank for many years, the CS assured the MPs that it will be corrected.