Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for urgent reforms in Kenya’s prison system. They want the government to activate a Revolving Prison Enterprise Fund to make the sector more productive and self-sustaining.
The Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC), chaired by Caroli Omondi, made the call during a visit to Kaloleni Main Prison in Kilifi County. Legislators said the Kenya Prisons Department owns vast land and has skilled personnel. However, these resources are not being used well, and the department remains underfunded.
Omondi explained that the fund would finance training for inmates, purchase modern equipment, and support the promotion of goods made in prisons. These include furniture, textiles, agricultural produce, metal works, and car license plates. At present, the income from these activities does not directly benefit prisoners. Many still live in poor conditions.
The MPs argued that outdated rehabilitation programs make it hard for inmates to adjust to life after release. They stressed that managing the fund within the prisons service would ensure accountability and meet the institution’s needs.
The committee also raised concerns about wider problems in the prison system. These include overcrowding, poor healthcare, underfunding, and lack of essential staff such as psychologists and counsellors. Corruption, radicalisation, and drug abuse in prisons were also highlighted.
Borabu MP Patrick Osero said most inmates in Kilifi and Kaloleni are young men under 30. Many are serving sentences for sexual offences. He noted that several lacked legal representation, despite the Constitution guaranteeing the right to a fair trial.
The MPs promised to work with stakeholders to improve prison conditions. They also pledged to support reforms that promote rehabilitation, humane treatment, and reintegration of inmates into society.
