The High Court has refused to halt the Kenya Prisons Service recruitment scheduled for April 30, 2025, dismissing a petition that challenged the fairness of the exercise.
The case, brought by a civic rights group, alleged that the recruitment process disproportionately favored certain ethnic groups and failed to reflect Kenya’s diversity. They pointed to past data showing overrepresentation of specific communities such as the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, and Kamba in the service.
However, the court ruled there was insufficient evidence to support claims of systemic exclusion. Justice David Mutua stated that while the petition raised valid concerns on inclusivity, halting the recruitment would disrupt essential government operations.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has previously acknowledged imbalances in staffing but maintained that no single community holds over a third of the jobs in the Prisons Service. He affirmed that the upcoming recruitment would follow a transparent, merit-based process and encouraged all eligible Kenyans to apply.
Applicants must hold a KCSE mean grade of D+ and be aged between 18 and 28. For cadet positions, candidates require at least a C+ and a relevant degree.
Despite the court’s greenlight, the ruling has stirred debate on ethnic equity in public service employment. Advocacy groups say they will continue to monitor the recruitment closely and push for broader reforms in hiring practices across security agencies.
The nationwide exercise is expected to draw thousands of applicants on April 30, as the Kenya Prisons Service seeks to bolster its ranks.
By Kenyans