Fresh complaints have emerged from within the Kenya Prisons Service, where officers are raising concerns over what they describe as years of unfair treatment, stalled careers and alleged abuse of power by senior officials.

The officers say the problems go far beyond poor working conditions. They claim there is a culture of favoritism, fear and impunity that has left many junior officers demoralized and afraid to speak out.

The allegations, which have not been independently verified, touch on promotions, staff welfare, allowances, housing and alleged financial irregularities.

The Kenya Prisons Service is headed by Commissioner General Patrick Aranduh, who is responsible for the administration and welfare of prison officers across the country. The Service falls under the State Department for Correctional Services, led by Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Muhia Beacco, within the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, headed by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Officers say these leaders should urgently investigate the concerns being raised by staff.

One of the biggest complaints concerns promotions.

According to the whistleblower, many officers have served the country faithfully for nearly three decades without receiving promotions they believe they deserve. At the same time, the complainant alleges that some senior positions are awarded through favoritism, with relatives of influential people allegedly receiving preferential treatment.

The officers further claim there is a widespread belief within the Service that some promotions are secured through corruption rather than merit. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Promotion within disciplined services is expected to follow clear criteria based on qualifications, performance, seniority and available vacancies. Officers say when promotions are perceived to be unfair, morale suffers and confidence in leadership declines.

The complaint also raises questions about escort allowances.

According to the whistleblower, junior officers assigned to escort duties allegedly receive only KSh100 or KSh200, amounts they say are far below what they believe is officially payable.

The officers are asking a simple question.

If the government allocates higher allowances for escort duties, where is the rest of the money going?

They are calling for an audit of escort allowance payments to establish whether officers are receiving their full entitlements.

Another allegation concerns transfer allowances.

The whistleblower claims that some officers receive transfer allowances in their bank accounts and are then allegedly instructed to refund part of the money.

According to the complaint, an officer receiving KSh50,000 may allegedly be required to return KSh25,000 after the funds have been deposited.

If true, such a practice would raise serious questions about financial accountability and the management of public funds. The allegation has not been independently verified.

Housing is another source of frustration.

The officers claim many senior officers receive substantial monthly house allowances, in some cases exceeding KSh25,000, yet continue occupying government houses located within prison camps.

According to the complainant, this leaves many junior officers struggling to secure accommodation despite receiving house allowances of less than KSh5,000.

They argue that government housing should primarily benefit officers who receive the least support rather than those already receiving significant housing allowances.

The whistleblower also says junior officers regularly wait months before receiving uniforms, yet senior officers allegedly receive theirs without delay.

The officers say uniforms are essential equipment, not a privilege, and that unequal distribution undermines discipline, professionalism and morale.

Perhaps the most worrying allegation relates to intimidation.

The complainant says officers who question promotions, allowances or other welfare issues risk being transferred, subjected to disciplinary action or otherwise victimized.

According to the whistleblower, many officers have stopped raising legitimate concerns because they fear retaliation from their superiors.

The result, they say, is a workplace where many officers remain silent even when they believe something is wrong.

The allegations come at a time when the government has repeatedly pledged to improve the welfare of officers serving in Kenya's disciplined services.

If the claims are accurate, they raise important questions about whether those commitments are reaching officers on the ground.

The officers are now calling for an independent investigation into promotions, staff welfare, allowance payments and housing allocation within the Kenya Prisons Service.

They believe agencies such as the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission, the Office of the Auditor General and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations should investigate any evidence of financial impropriety if it exists.

Below is the complaint received.

Dear Nyakundi,

I am writing to express the deep frustration and concerns of many officers serving in the Kenya Prisons Service. We believe these issues deserve public attention and urgent intervention.

Promotions are allegedly influenced by favoritism and nepotism, with some senior positions being awarded to relatives of influential individuals. Meanwhile, many dedicated officers who have served faithfully for nearly 30 years remain stagnant without promotion. There are also widespread allegations that some promotions are obtained through corruption.

Junior officers assigned escort duties are reportedly paid only KSh100 or KSh200 despite the official entitlement allegedly being much higher.

Some officers are allegedly given transfer allowances and later instructed to refund part of the money after it reaches their accounts.

Senior officers receive substantial house allowances yet continue occupying government houses, leaving junior officers with limited accommodation despite receiving very small house allowances.

Junior officers frequently experience delays in receiving uniforms while senior officers receive theirs on time.

Officers who raise concerns allegedly face transfers, disciplinary action or other forms of victimisation.

We ask the relevant authorities to investigate these issues and restore fairness within the Kenya Prisons Service.