Kenyan lawmakers have expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions in the country’s prisons and a surge in scams reportedly operated from behind bars. During a session with the National Assembly Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC), Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service, Patrick Aranduh, was put on the spot over the state of correctional facilities, mismanagement of prison resources, and the slow pace of reforms.
Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk Benjamin called for a comprehensive audit of the Appropriations-in-Aid (AiA) account, raising transparency concerns around revenue generated within prisons. MPs also questioned the use of prison labour, demanding clarification on whether inmates are being exploited under the guise of rehabilitation.
Committee Chair Eric Karemba pressed for legal clarity, while Geoffrey Mulanya advocated for a structured approach to inmate rehabilitation, referencing China’s model of equipping prisoners with economic skills to contribute to national development.
In his response, Aranduh maintained that all prison land is in use and that inmates are engaged in rehabilitative—not commercial—labour. He added that a Correctional Services Bill, which seeks to formalize structured inmate work, is under review.
However, Tiaty MP William Kamket raised the alarm over rampant scams allegedly being run from prison facilities, warning of eroded public trust. While Aranduh acknowledged the issue, he offered no concrete strategy to combat the vice, prompting calls from MPs for stronger technology-based monitoring systems and stricter internal controls.
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua highlighted the deplorable living conditions faced by both inmates and officers. “Prisoners are in tatters. Our officers live in hardship. Why can’t they receive allowances like teachers?” she asked. In response, Aranduh admitted to budgetary constraints, noting that while new uniforms have been distributed nationwide, resources remain inadequate for consistent provision. He added that hardship allowances are guided by public service policy.
Efforts to decongest prisons, Aranduh said, are ongoing in partnership with the Judiciary through reallocation of inmates based on the nature of their offenses. However, MPs insisted that more systemic reforms and better resource allocation are urgently needed to improve Kenya’s correctional system.
