The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has approved a uniform monthly allowance of Sh45,625 for police officers deployed as personal security officers. This new rate, effective from July 1, aims to standardize compensation for officers providing continuous personal protection to eligible state and public officials.
Approximately 12,000 police officers currently serve as bodyguards across the country. Their duties include safeguarding high-profile figures such as the President, judges, Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, governors, and members of Parliament.
Key Details of the Allowance
- Officers previously receiving less than Sh45,625 as a top-up will have their allowances increased to the new rate.
- Those with higher existing allowances will keep their current benefits until their deployment ends.
- The allowance applies only during the period an officer is assigned as a personal security officer and ceases upon return to their original unit.
- Security personnel protecting the President, Deputy President, or those within national security agencies as part of their routine duties are excluded.
- The rate is uniform regardless of rank or cadre.
SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony emphasized that this adjustment promotes fairness and consistency in remunerating officers undertaking specialized personal security roles within the public service.
The circular announcing the changes was distributed to key government offices, including the Attorney General, Auditor General, Chief Justice, Director of Public Prosecutions, Cabinet secretaries, governors, Parliament, county governments, and other public institutions.
Background
The deployment of armed police officers as personal bodyguards has been a subject of public discussion, particularly concerning the criteria for assignments and the expanding demand for VIP security amid broader policing challenges.
