Applying for Cadet Officer Positions in the Kenya Prisons Service

The Kenya Prisons Service usually recruits professionals in various positions, including the esteemed role of Professional Cadet Officer. If you aspire to a leadership career contributing to national safety and rehabilitation, this guide provides a focused breakdown of the application process for this specific role. The advertisement is done on the public service commission website. Always be visiting the website for the updates or subscribe o our newsletter.

Cadet Officer Role

Professional Cadet Officers within the Kenya Prisons Service are envisioned as leaders. The role demands a strong academic foundation, and the selection process reflects this emphasis.

Key Requirements for Professional Cadet Officer Applicants

While all applicants to the Kenya Prisons Service must meet certain general criteria, there are specific academic qualifications for Professional Cadet Officer candidates.

General Requirements

All applicants, including those for Professional Cadet Officer, must:
Be Kenyan citizens.
Possess a valid National Identification Card (ID).
Have no criminal record.
Be between 18 and 30 years old (the age bracket for degree holders).
Meet the minimum height requirements: 5 feet 4 inches for men and 5 feet 2 inches for women.
Be physically and medically fit.
Be of good moral character.
Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during training.

Specific Academic Qualifications for Professional Cadet Officers

Candidates applying for Professional Cadet Officer positions must possess one of the following:
A relevant Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institution of higher learning.
Must be registered with the relevant bodies where applicable.
Candidates with a minimum mean grade of D+ at KCSE (or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution) and a Certificate in Government Trade Test Grade I/II from a recognized institution.
A Certificate in Craft or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

It’s crucial to note that having a Bachelor’s Degree is a primary pathway to the Professional Cadet Officer role.

The Application Process

The application process for Professional Cadet Officers, like all other positions in this recruitment drive, relies on the PSC.2 (Revised 2007) form. THE FORM MUST BE FILLED OUT IN BLOCK LETTERS. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Obtain the PSC.2 Form

Download the PSC.2 (Revised 2007) form from the Public Service Commission website

2. Carefully Fill Out the PSC.2 Form

Accuracy and completeness are paramount. Here’s a section-by-section guide, tailored for Professional Cadet Officer applicants:

Section 1: Vacancy Applied For:

Vacancy/Post: Write “Professional Cadet Officer” precisely.
Vacancy No: Refer to the official advertisement for this number. If not provided, leave it blank.
Ministry/State Department: “Ministry of Interior & National Administration / State Department for Correctional Services” or “Kenya Prisons Service”.

Section 2: Personal Details of the Applicant:

Provide your full legal name, title (Mr., Ms., etc.), date of birth (ensuring you meet the age criteria), gender, nationality, and ID number.
Include accurate contact details: postal address, phone number, and email address.

Section 3: Applicants in the Public Service only:

Complete this section only if you are currently employed in the public service. Provide details of your current post, ministry, job group, and terms of service.
If you are not a public service employee, write “N/A” in this section.

Section 4: All other Applicants:

If you work in the private sector, an NGO, or an organization outside the public service, please provide details of your current employer. Also, specify your position and salary. Include your position and salary as well.
If you are unemployed, write “N/A” or “Not Currently Employed.”

Section 5: Other Personal Details:

Accurately list your language proficiencies.
Disclose any physical impairments. Be honest but also consider the physical fitness requirements of the role.
Answer truthfully regarding any criminal convictions.

Section 6: Academic Qualifications:

This is a critical section for Professional Cadet Officer applicants.
Start with your highest qualification (e.g., Bachelor’s Degree).
Provide details of each qualification: years attended, institution, award attained (e.g., BA, BSc), course/programme, specialization/subject, and class/grade.
Ensure your Bachelor’s Degree details are accurate and from a recognized institution. If you are using a Trade Test or Craft Certificate to qualify, include those details here as well.

Section 7: Professional/Technical Qualifications/Certifications Relevant to the Post

Include any professional certifications relevant to the Cadet Officer role or your Bachelor’s Degree.

Section 8: Relevant Courses and Training Attended Lasting Not Less Than One (1) Week:

List any relevant training that enhances your application.

Section 9: Current Registration/Membership to Professional Bodies:

If your degree requires professional registration (e.g., for lawyers, engineers), provide those details.

Section 10: Employment Details Where Applicable:

Provide your employment history, starting with the most recent. Include employer names, positions held, and dates.

Section 11: Briefly State Your Current Duties, Responsibilities, and Assignments (If Any):

Describe your current job responsibilities.

Section 12: Please Give Details of Your Abilities, Skills and Experience Which You Consider Relevant to the Position Applied For:

This is your opportunity to shine! Highlight your leadership skills, communication abilities, any relevant experience, and your motivation for seeking a Cadet Officer position.

Section 13: Referees:

Provide details of two professional referees who can speak to your character and abilities. Do not include relatives.

Declaration

Carefully read the declaration and sign it. By signing, you confirm the accuracy of the information provided.

Attach Supporting Documents the Form PSC.2 Revised 2007

Include certified copies of your academic/professional certificates (especially your Bachelor’s Degree certificate).
Attach copies of your National Identification Card (both sides).
Attach any other relevant testimonials.

Submit Your Application

You can submit your application in one of two ways:

By Post: Send your completed application to: The Commissioner General of Prisons, Prisons Headquarters, P.O. Box 30175-00100, NAIROBI, KENYA.
Hand-delivery: Deliver your application to Prisons Headquarters, Magereza House, which is located along Bishops Road, Community Area, Nairobi.

Meet the Deadline

Ensure your application is received by the Commissioner General of Prisons on or before the deadline. For the year 2025 the deadline is at 5:00 PM on 30th April 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

Important Considerations for Professional Cadet Officer Applicants

Academic Qualifications are Key: Your Bachelor’s Degree (or other qualifying credentials) is a primary determinant of eligibility. Ensure all details are accurate and certified.
Leadership Potential: In your application, especially in Section 12, highlight your leadership qualities. Discuss your decision-making skills. Include any experience that shows your potential to excel as a Cadet Officer.
Professionalism: Present a neat, well-organized, and error-free application. This reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Luvisia Digital wishes you a good luck. For help with the application kindly contact us.