By Martha Ndila
Correctional PS Mary Muthoni interacts with inmates at Eldoret GK Prison. Photo: Collins William
The Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, HSC has raised concern over the increasing number of children living in prisons with their mothers who instead are supposed to be living a normal life like any other child.
Addressing journalists at Eldoret GK Prison on 16th February 2023, Madam Mary said the children lack proper parenting, are prone to diseases, and mix with adults at a tender age which might lead to behavior change.
“As a Government, as Correctional Services department we are very committed because as you can see these are very young people who have a very bright future and they need to be taken care of psychologically, holistically.” she said.
The PS insisted on the need for fast-tracking of cases of mothers who fall under the category of petty offenses and said that the State Department is closely working with the Judiciary to ensure that such cases are reviewed.
She emphasized on the Government’s zeal to ensure children accompanying their mothers in prison live a comfortable life with daycares and playing grounds for them and also having a health meal.
Children allowed to accompany their mothers to prison are from 0-4 years and last year, the Former Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior Dr. Fred Matiang’i launched a policy on care of children of incarcerated mothers which gives guidelines on how these children should be handled while in these facilities.
The policy offers guidance to the Kenya Prison Service management and Stakeholders in the provision of quality care for children.
The policy draws from existing constitutional, legislative and policy frameworks in Kenya which include the Constitution of Kenya Article 53 (2), Prisons act (Cap 90) Section 30(4), the Children’s Act 2010 Part II (4,5,6,7,8,9,12 and 13) and Sentencing guidelines (Part III-20: 36-38).