PS Correctional Accompanies Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to a Visit at the Mwea GK Prison

The State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki accompanied the Ministry of Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki in a familiarization visit to the Mwea G.K Prison on 8th May 2023.

The aim was to familiarize with the facility and check on its conditions so that the challenges can be identified and included in the prison reforms agenda to improve the conditions of prisons.

The changes are expected to influence inmates to voluntarily self-transform by treating them in a humane way.

As part of the reforms, The CS talked about the modernizing of workshop equipment in all prisons, with the Ksh.1 billion set aside for this project to make sure inmates fully utilize the resources provided for smooth reintegration into society.

“We are going to provide prisons with modern equipment since the ones they are using are outdated,” he said.

The CS also promised the inmates two pairs of new uniforms each to be able to maintain hygiene.

He also underscored the decongestion of prisons that alternative dispute resolutions mechanisms be taken up as they will assist in sorting out cases at the community level, and in addition to that engagements with the Judiciary are underway to reduce congestion of prisons by 50%.

The CS reiterated that his Ministry has drafted a new Correctional Services Policy.

“We have initiated and drafted new correctional policy that will see us review the Prison Act, Borstal Act and Probation Act,” he said.

On food security, Interior CS pronounced that the Government will mechanize all prison land across the country and farm inputs to boost food production.

“The government will do mechanization of prison lands across the country to produce food,” he insisted.

Speaking on climate the CS directed the Prison officers to make sure that they abide by the President's directive of having 20% of forest cover in prison land.

The CS encouraged on the importance of partnering with the private sector to ensure good hygiene for the inmates to live in a humane environment and is in full support of the ‘one prisoner, one bed, one mattress’ program.

Also in attendance for the visit were Commissioner General of Prisons (Rtd) John Warioba, Secretary, of Probation and After Care Services Mary Mbau, Deputy Governor Kirinyaga County David Githanda, and other senior officers from the Correctional Services Department.

The CS thanked the PS and her team from the Kenya Prisons Service for the good work and assured his support to continue improving prison conditions.

The PS on her side campaigned for tree planting within the prisons and beyond and for each person to take responsibility in doing so.