Presidential William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor Moses Kuria has raised concerns over alleged reports of massive bribery during recent Kenya Prisons Wardens job recruitment exercise.
The Kenya Prisons Services conducted nationwide recruitment for professional cadet officers, technicians, artisans, and prison constables on Wednesday, April 30, inviting male and female candidates aged between 18 and 30 years to apply for the various advertised posts and secure jobs.
However, Kuria alleged that the job selection was not free and fair since candidates were asked to pay bribes.
“I am getting disturbing reports the candidates who were recruited for the Kenya Prison Wardens jobs paid a bribe of Ksh 500K each. This is not good. It’s immoral. It’s not worth it,” he wrote on X on Thursday, June 5 evening.
On top of that, one troubled Kenyan took to social media, alleging that six candidates each gave KSh250,000 to recruiting officers, who intern promised them a spot in the job selection. However, despite paying the amount asked, they were not selected.
“It is a sad day to my friend and many parents who sons and daughters who were promised a bright future... So this officer took 250k from my friend who wanted his son to join Kenya prisons on the ongoing prison recruitment, so they were 6, each removed 250k and gave this officer, so the officer sent them a copy of the admission letter with one of the sons name and the parents believed,” the Kenyan wrote.
Kuria condemned the events, indicating that it is unacceptable. “We will burn in hell. Selling prison warder jobs? APANA !!!”
Free and fair. No bribe!
Despite Kuria’s allegations, the Kenya Prisons Service has always maintained that its recruitment process is free and fair, based on merit, and that nobody should pay to get a calling letter.
The Service, on May 7, 2025, warned Kenyans against falling victims to fraudsters offering fake calling letters.
“All official calling letters were issued only to successful candidates at the recruitment centers on 30th April 2025. KAA CHONJO! Do not fall victim to fraud. Do NOT be conned. If you have any doubts, please verify through official channels,” Kenya Prinsons Service said.
