Kenya Prisons Service Announces Nationwide Mass Recruitment, Qualifications And How To Apply

The Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) has officially announced a nationwide mass recruitment exercise targeting the enlistment of new prison constables, professional cadet officers, technicians, and artisans.

This large-scale recruitment is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with physical recruitment exercises being conducted across all 47 counties for constables, while the application process for cadet officers, technicians, and artisans will be done online.

This announcement was made public through an official notice published in local dailies on Monday, April 7, 2025. The notice outlined the various requirements, qualifications, and procedures that interested applicants must follow to secure positions within the Kenya Prisons Service.

The recruitment of constables, both male and female, will take place on April 30, 2025, at designated centers in each county. In Nairobi County, the exercise will be conducted at multiple locations, including Nyayo Stadium, Ndurarua Stadium, Jacaranda Grounds, Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, and the NYS Headquarters, among others.

To qualify for the position of constable, applicants must:

1. Be Kenyan citizens holding a valid national identification card.
2. Be aged between 18 and 28 years.
3. Possess a minimum academic qualification of a D+ (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.
4. Have no criminal record or pending court cases.
5. Meet the physical and medical standards required, including being physically and mentally fit, with clear vision and good hearing.

Additionally, male applicants must have a minimum height of five feet and four inches, while female applicants must be at least five feet and two inches tall. Female applicants should not be pregnant at the time of recruitment.

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On the day of recruitment, all applicants are required to present the following documents:

1. Original and copy of their National ID Card.
2. Original and copy of their birth certificate.
3. KRA PIN Certificate.
4. Academic and professional certificates.
5. Any other relevant testimonials.

Online Applications for Professional Cadet Officers, Technicians, and Artisans

The Kenya Prisons Service also announced the recruitment of qualified individuals for the positions of professional cadet officers, technicians, and artisans. Unlike the constable recruitment, these applications will be submitted online.

Professional Cadet Officers:

Applicants interested in joining as cadet officers must hold a relevant undergraduate degree from a recognized university or institution of higher learning.

The available positions include:

1. Medical Officers
2. Psychiatrists
3. Pharmacists
4. Civil Engineers
5. Architects
6. Quantity Surveyors
7. ICT Officers
8. Counselors, among others.

Technicians:

Technicians applying for available positions should have a relevant diploma or certificate from a recognized institution. In some cases, applicants must be registered with the relevant professional bodies.

Positions available in this category include:

1. Animal Health Officers
2. Agricultural and Horticultural Officers
3. Survey Assistants
4. Electrical Technicians
5. Mechanical Technicians
6. ICT Technicians, among others.

Artisans:

Artisan applicants must possess at least a D+ (plus) in KCSE and hold a Government Trade Test Certificate Grade I or II or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

Available positions for artisans include:

1. Carpenters
2. Masons
3. Plumbers
4. Hairdressers
5. Tailors
6. Interior Designers
7. Electricians
8. Welders
9. Mechanics, among others.

Applicants for the positions of cadet officers, technicians, and artisans are required to fill out the PSC.2 application form, available for download from the official Public Service Commission website. Completed forms should be accompanied by clear photocopies of academic and professional certificates, a national ID card, and other relevant documents.

The applications must be submitted to:

1. The Commissioner General of Prisons
2. Kenya Prisons Service Headquarters, P.O. Box 30175-00100, Nairobi.

All applications must reach the Commissioner General on or before April 30, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be notified through announcements in print media.

The Kenya Prisons Service has emphasized that the recruitment exercise is completely free of charge. Applicants have been strongly cautioned against giving bribes or engaging in any corrupt practices during the recruitment process.

Any individual found presenting falsified or fake academic and professional certificates, fake identification documents, or engaging in bribery will face immediate disqualification and possible prosecution according to the law.

Successful applicants recruited as prison constables, technicians, and artisans will undergo a rigorous nine-month training program. On the other hand, successful cadet officers will be subjected to an extensive 13-month training period to prepare them adequately for their respective duties within the service.

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