Graduate officers within the Kenya Prisons Service have strongly objected to a recent directive requiring a Master’s degree for promotion to the rank of Inspector of Prisons (Job Group K).

The new qualification threshold, issued via Signal No. P/16/4/VOL.X/173 on 11th April 2025, has sparked outrage, with officers calling it discriminatory, unreasonable, and demoralising.

Historically, a Bachelor’s degree has been sufficient for advancement. Precedents set in 2012, 2017, and as recently as 2022 allowed graduate officers to be promoted or admitted to cadet training programs. Officers argue that changing the standard now is unfair and undermines years of service and sacrifice.

According to a source who spoke to this reporter, and requested anonymity, even high-ranking public officials including Cabinet Secretaries and the President are only required to hold Bachelor’s degrees.

The policy is seen as inconsistent not only within the broader public service but also when compared to other security agencies like the National Police Service, which promotes officers based on five years of service and a C+ grade in KCSE, without a Master’s degree requirement.

Adding to the frustration, the recent promotion of all Chief Inspectors has left over 1,000 inspectorate vacancies. Officers believe these should be filled by existing qualified personnel rather than introducing a new academic barrier.

The disparity between serving officers and civilian recruits has also drawn criticism. While civilians with Bachelor’s degrees can enter as cadets or inspectors, serving officers with similar or higher qualifications are now being sidelined.

Graduate officers are urging the Public Service Commission to review the directive, disclose vacancy data, and reinstate fairness in the promotion criteria.

They warn that such policies risk undermining morale, fostering resentment, and wasting institutional talent.

For fear of reprisals, the officers have submitted their concerns anonymously, appealing to national leadership to uphold justice and integrity in the prison service.