Kenya’s government has renewed its pledge to improve conditions in prisons, promising better living facilities and stronger rehabilitation programmes as part of wider efforts to prepare inmates for life after release.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Dr Christopher Wanjau, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said prison reforms remain a government priority. His remarks were delivered on Tuesday during the handover of essential items, including mattresses, to help ease congestion and improve living conditions at Nairobi West Prison.
“The journey of reforming our prisons and other correctional facilities is on course to enable them to comprehensively and meaningfully rehabilitate citizens who, in one way or another, have been in conflict with the law,” Kindiki said.
He said the government had committed financial, human and material resources to improve correctional facilities while expanding rehabilitation programmes designed to equip inmates with practical skills before their release.
“This includes equipping them with necessary and relevant knowledge and expertise that will help transform them and make their reintegration back to society successful and beneficial,” he said.
The Deputy President also appealed to the public to support former inmates after they complete their sentences, arguing that successful rehabilitation depends not only on government programmes but also on communities willing to offer second chances.
“We give them opportunities to earn an honest living from the skills, training and mentorship received through the Prisons Reforms Programe,” he said.
Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Beacco welcomed the donation, saying improved accommodation is essential to creating an environment where rehabilitation can succeed.
“This thoughtful gesture reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of persons in custody and strengthening the correctional system as an integral component of the administration of justice,” she said.
Beacco added that the State Department for Correctional Services is pursuing reforms aimed at shifting prisons beyond punishment towards rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
“Decent living conditions are fundamental to creating an environment where correctional programmes can thrive and where offenders are empowered to reform, acquire skills, and successfully reintegrate into society upon release,” she said.
The event was also attended by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Deputy Commissioner General Jane Kirii and other senior prison officials.
The government’s renewed focus on prison reform comes amid ongoing discussions about improving correctional facilities, reducing overcrowding and expanding rehabilitation efforts across Kenya’s prison system.
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