State plans to construct modern prisons as part of ongoing reforms

Nicholas Kigondu -PCO

The Government plans to construct modern prisons to better address existing challenges as part of ongoing reforms targeting the country’s correctional system.

Dismissing reports that the government is intent on irregularly allocating prison land to private entities as unfounded, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government plan is to improve all correctional facilities to create better environments for both prison officers and offenders.

Speaking at the Uruku GK Prison in Meru County, the CS said his ministry, through the State Department for Correctional Services, is implementing a host of reforms that will see the construction of modern prisons.

These will be complete with social amenities including schools for children of staff, day care facilities for children living with their imprisoned mothers, well equipped health facilities as well as the integration of technology that will allow for conducting of virtual courts in all prisons across the country.

“Our correctional facilities currently face systemic challenges. The proposed strategic solutions include modernizing prison facilities, consolidating institutions, and optimizing the use of prison land through repurposing initiatives,” said the CS.

As part of the reform agenda, the CS said the government wants modern prisons that focus on rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders into society with an emphasis on education and skill development that will promote responsibility and self-reliance.

Speaking at the same event, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said all parcels of land designated for correctional purposes, including those set aside for spiritual nourishment, remain intact.

“Faith-based institutions, including churches and mosques within prison facilities, continue to function without any interference or compromise. We recognize the critical role that religious institutions play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” she observed.

She said the proposed modernization masterplan is meant to ensure that prisons employ the use of modern technologies to better realize their mandate besides making them self-reliant.