Police officers have already received their March salaries but most are contemplating resigning from the force after the National Police Service (NPSC) reduced their salaries by as much as half.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

The adjustments in salaries have mainly affected graduate police officers and those disabled in the line of duty despite a court order directing the government not to implement the reviews by the NPSC.

Some of the key reasons highlighted by the officers planning to draft resignation letters include negative pay where the disabled are not exempted from tax despite the law stating that those earning less than Sh150,000 salary per month should be exempted from taxation.

The officers have also complained that the pay cut did not come with a notice before it was effected.

“It is not fair for them to reduce our salaries without even giving us notices,” aid an officer, whom we cannot name because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The officer also said it is shameful that unless you have served for at least 12 years, you cannot earn terminal benefits and their living conditions are still horrible yet their salaries are being chopped.

“We already are living in deplorable conditions and working in very risky circumstances but our employer is taking from us the little we get. It is shameful,” he added.

Despite the pay cut of graduate constables falling from Sh18,000 to Sh9,000 the officer also complained that promotions based on their academic qualifications are not being implemented as senior officers favor their relatives.

“This is the only institution where a Standard Eight dropout, a Form Four leaver who scored a D- in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination, an undergraduate and postgraduate get the same pay,” a police officer.

However, police spokesman Charles Owino has defended the new adjustments.

"The NPSC acted within the law and officers are earing salaries equivalent to their ranks,” Mr Owino said.

"For instance, there is no legal authority to pay corporals a salary equivalent to that of an inspector," he added.