Police officers in Kenya earn different monthly salaries depending on their ranks, years of service, and salary grades. The government completed the final phase of a three-year salary review in July 2026, increasing basic pay across the National Police Service.
Under the revised structure, newly recruited police constables earn a starting basic salary of approximately KSh 29,360 per month. Experienced constables can earn up to KSh 57,700, depending on their position within the salary scale.
Corporals receive a minimum basic salary of KSh 35,580, while sergeants start at KSh 46,380. Senior sergeants earn at least KSh 50,600 monthly.
Officers in higher ranks receive larger basic salaries. Inspectors start at KSh 55,075, while chief inspectors earn a minimum of KSh 61,495. Assistant superintendents receive at least KSh 66,565, and superintendents start at KSh 76,565.
Senior superintendents earn a minimum basic salary of KSh 88,925. Assistant inspectors general start at KSh 98,715. At the highest salary points, senior officers can earn considerably more, with basic monthly pay reaching KSh 345,850 for the highest-serving police officer.
In addition to basic pay, police officers may receive allowances depending on their ranks and duty stations. These include house and commuter allowances, as well as other applicable benefits. For example, a constable stationed in Nairobi may receive a monthly house allowance of KSh 9,500 and a commuter allowance of KSh 3,000.
The actual amount an officer takes home depends on allowances, deductions, and individual employment terms. Therefore, the published basic salary should not be confused with gross earnings or net pay.
The salary review was intended to improve officers’ welfare and working conditions. Better remuneration forms part of broader efforts to support police officers as they carry out their duties of maintaining law and order and protecting the public.