Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Correctional Services, expressed concern over the high number of young people held in Kisii prison and called for alternative dispute resolution to reduce prison congestion in the country.

Speaking to the media after visiting the main correctional facility in Kisii town, Muthoni stated that the proposal resonates with President William Ruto’s directive to find ways to decongest and relocate the facility to a more spacious and sustainable land in Nyanturago, Nyamache Sub County.

Muthoni observed that overcrowded and harsh prison environments undermined the mission of the Prisons Department to rehabilitate individuals who contravened the law and reintegrate them into society. 

She emphasised that the government was committed to providing one prisoner per bed and one mattress to make the facility more conducive for inmates.

Muthoni announced that her tour of the 130 prisons in the country would help identify the needs of prisoners and officers, and improve their living conditions in accordance with the recommendations of the task force currently addressing the matter, which includes police reforms.

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The PS called for treating prisoners with dignity by enhancing their living standards, as they are family members and community members.

“These are our brothers, sisters, parents and relatives and we therefore need to treat them with dignity by improving their living conditions,” Muthoni said.

Muthoni cited Laikipia County as an example of how the Judiciary had released 170 offenders through Community Service Orders, with 100,000 tree seedlings already planted in the area.

She also noted that the judiciary was at the forefront of alternative conflict resolution, releasing those under the age of 35, who form the majority of the country's prison population.

“Young people 35 years and below are the majority, the strongest workforce in the country who should be engaged in productive development activities,” Muthoni said.

Correctional Services PS Mary Muthoni during her visit to Kisii Main Prison. PHOTO/COURTESY. 

Muthoni met with various stakeholders, including Kisii Central Sub County Commissioner Wilberforce Kilonzo, Police Commander Charles Kases, Kisii Prisons In-Charge Oliver Rapando, and County Director of Criminal Investigations Linah Kabaila.

She encouraged National Government Administration officers to collaborate with Prisons officers to educate the public on the importance of resolving minor conflicts, especially land matters, outside the court system through barazas.

During Ruto's visit to Kisii County last week, Kisii Governor Simba Arati urged the relocation of Kisii Main GK Prison to Nyanturago to make room for the town's expansion.