The Kenya Prisons Service recently announced that they will be conducting recruitment in 2024 to fill various positions within the service. This recruitment provides an excellent opportunity for qualified Kenyans seeking a career in law enforcement and corrections. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Kenya Prisons Recruitment process for 2024, including details on positions available, qualifications required, application process, timeline, and more.
Positions Available
The Kenya Prisons Service recruits for two main categories of positions – General Cadet Officers and Medical Technicians. Within these broad categories, there are several specific roles that are recruited for each year. According to the details provided on the Kenya Prisons website, the following positions will be available as part of the 2024 recruitment:
General Cadet Officers
- Medical Officers
- Anesthesiologists
- General Surgeons
- Orthopedic Surgeons
- ENT Surgeons
- Obstetricians/Gynecologists
- Ophthalmologists
- Dermatologists
- Paediatricians
- Pathologists
- Psychiatrists
- Radiologists
- Pharmacists
- Dental Officers
- Public Health Officers
- Nutrition and Dietetics Officers
- Graduate Teachers
- Social Workers
- Psychologists
- Criminologists
- Security Management Officers
Medical Technicians
- Clinical Officers
- Kenya Registered Community Health Nurses
- Pharmaceutical Technologists
- Plaster Technicians/Technologists
- Orthopedic Technologists
- General Physiotherapists
- Specialist Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Dental Technologists
- Community Oral Health Officers
- Medical Laboratory Technologists
- Medical Engineering Technologists
- General Radiographers
- Ultra-sonographers
- Dental Radiographers
- Health Records and Information Management Officers
- ICT Officers
- Nutrition & Dietetic Technologists
- Public Health Officers
- Health Promotion Officers
- Medical Social Workers
- Health Administrative Officers
- Mortuary Attendants
This wide range of roles allows prospective candidates from various educational backgrounds to apply. Some will require an undergraduate or graduate degree while others a diploma or certificate in the relevant field.
Qualification Requirements
In order to be eligible for any of the positions under the Kenya Prisons recruitment, candidates need to meet the basic qualification requirements:
- Be a Kenyan citizen
- Possess a valid National ID card
- Be between the ages of 18-30 years for diploma/certificate holders and 18-30 for degree holders
- Minimum height of 5’4″ for men and 5’2″ for women
- Be physically and medically fit with good vision and hearing
- Not being pregnant for female candidates
In addition to these basic criteria, there are some academic/technical qualifications specific to each category:
General Cadets:
- Minimum KCSE mean grade of C+
- Relevant undergraduate degree from a recognized institution
Medical Technicians:
- Minimum KCSE mean grade of C (Plain) or equivalent qualification
- Relevant diploma/certificate from a recognized institution
Medical Practitioners:
- Minimum KCSE mean grade of C+
- Undergraduate/postgraduate degree from a recognized institution
- Registered with relevant statutory bodies
This provides a guide for candidates to self-assess their eligibility based on their academic qualifications before applying for the positions they are interested in. Make sure to carefully review the qualifications listed on the Kenya Prisons website.
Application Process
Now that we understand the positions available and qualification requirements, let’s dive into the application process itself:
Application Form
Candidates are required to download and complete the PSC.2 (REVISED 2016) Kenya Prisons application form is available on the Public Service Commission website.
Supporting Documents
Along with the completed application form, candidates must attach clear photocopies of:
- Academic and professional certificates
- National ID card
Submission Details
Completed applications should be addressed and delivered to the Commissioner General of Prisons at the specified postal address and deadline date. Applications will not be accepted through any other means.
Submission Deadline
For the 2024 recruitment, the deadline to submit completed applications is 11th February 2024. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Lists of Shortlisted Candidates
Following the submission and vetting of applications, shortlisted candidates will be notified via print media advertisements by 1st March 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stages of selection.
It is imperative that candidates meticulously follow this application process and meet all submission requirements and deadlines. Incomplete or late applications will be disqualified.
Selection Process and Timeline
Once applications have been submitted, the Kenya Prisons Service will follow this tentative selection process and timeline:
February 2024
- Closing date for submission of applications
March 2024
- List of shortlisted candidates published
- Shortlisted candidates notified
March-April 2024
- Document verification for shortlisted candidates
- Medical examination
- Security clearance
- Interviews
May 2024
- Selection of successful candidates
- List of recruited cadets and technicians published
June-August 2024
- Basic training commences for recruited cadets and technicians
This provides an overview of the stages candidates can expect to go through should they be shortlisted, from initial notification, to document verification, medical exams, interviews, and potential selection for basic training. Do note that dates are tentative and may be subject to change.
Recruitment Centers
Recruitment will take place at designated centers based on candidates’ county and constituency of residence. The website lists over 30 counties across Kenya and over 100 centers where recruitment will occur on the specified dates.
It is important for candidates to know the correct recruitment center for their area to avoid inconveniences during the exercise. They must ensure they attend recruitment at the designated center, date, and time for their location.
Terms and Conditions
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates should be aware of the following terms and conditions of recruitment:
- The process will be free of any charges – no fees should be paid
- Bribery or any acts of corruption will lead to disqualification
- Candidates should not attempt to influence the process through irregular means
- Submission of forged documents will result in arrest and prosecution
- Pregnant women will not be recruited or retained in service if already recruited
- Recruitment will only be conducted on dates and centers specified – others are fraudulent
- Selected candidates will undergo government-sponsored paramilitary training
This highlights that integrity and transparency are core values in the recruitment process. Any corrupt or fraudulent acts will not be tolerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have covered the key aspects of the recruitment, here are answers to some common questions candidates may have:
Q: What is the passing mark or minimum points required?
A: There is no set passing mark announced. Candidates will be assessed based on an overall competitive evaluation of their qualifications and performance during the selection process.
Q: Will age limit be waived for experienced candidates?
A: No, the stated age limits will be strictly adhered to and no exceptions or waivers will be made.
Q: How will shortlisting be done if more apply than places?
A: Shortlisting will be competitive based on candidates meeting the basic requirements. Priority may be given to candidates with higher academic qualifications relevant to the job.
Q: What are the training details after selection?
A: Selected candidates will undergo 9-13 months of initial paramilitary training depending on the role. Further, on-job and specialty training will be provided as part of career development and progression.
Q: How will selection and placement be done countrywide?
A: The recruitment aims to ensure qualified candidates from all countries are considered and selected based on merit. Placement will also aim to achieve fair national representation and staffing needs.
Q: Is there accommodation provided during training?
A: Yes, both males and females undergoing basic training will be provided accommodation and full boarding at designated training institutions countrywide.
In conclusion, the Kenya Prisons Recruitment 2024 provides a great opportunity for motivated Kenyans seeking a career in the field of law enforcement and corrections. By carefully understanding the positions, requirements, application process, and timelines outlined in this blog post, candidates can make the most out of this opportunity. Integrity, hard work, and commitment to serving the nation will take one far during this recruitment exercise. All the best to those who will apply.