The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has introduced a raft of changes in prisons.
In a statement shared with the press, the CS says, “the Ministry of Interior and National Administration will put in place the necessary measures and policies to decongest all prisons in the country by 50%.”
“This will be facilitated through an engagement with the Judiciary and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
“The Government encourages alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and non-custodial or community service sentences to ease the number of inmates in the correctional facilities.
“In a few months, a new and modern Correctional Services policy will be in place. This includes a review of laws on prisons, borstal institutions, and probation services to match with the 21st Century standards.
“Improving the welfare of inmates and Prisons staff is a priority for the Government. Directed that all prisoners be kitted with two pairs of uniform and through partnership with the private sector, implement the ‘One Prisoner, One bed, One mattress ‘ program.
“The Government will also invest Ksh.1B to modernise equipment in prisons to ensure inmates receive new skills and produce products that are competitive in the industry and modern market.”
Kindiki said this when he toured Mwea Prison, Kirinyaga County to inspect the ongoing reforms, accompanied by Correctional Services Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Commissioner General of Prisons John Warioba and other senior government officials.
