CAG Recommends Comprehensive Budget Review for Hardship Allowances to Ensure Well-being of Prison Officers

In the Annual Audit Report of the Central Government for the Financial Year 2022/2023, the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) Charles Kichere has suggested that the government conduct a thorough review of budget allocation for hardship allowances for Prison Officers, to safeguard their welfare.

CAG stated, "Regulation 46(1) of the Prisons Service Regulations of 1997 mandates all Prison Officers to be entitled to hardship allowances, transport allowances, and night duty allowances."

"During my audit, I found that the Department of Prisons (Vote 29) allocated a budget of Sh. 18.25 billion for hardship allowances, equivalent to 15% of the salary. However, in the financial year 2022/23, Prison Officers did not receive their hardship allowances due to lack of funding from the Treasury. Non-payment of hardship allowances to Prison Officers can adversely affect their morale and well-being."