Misik appointed to spearhead Prison reforms

By JOEL OKWAYO

The Government has picked Western Provincial Prisons Commandant (PPC) Amos Misik to spearhead reforms in the department.

Misik will handle reforms and public relations docket at the headquarters. He will also oversee the implementation of a report by a task force former Cabinet minister Marsden Madoka chaired.

The reforms will include the formulation of young offenders and drug addiction policies.

Speaking in Kakamega while handing over office to the incoming PPC James Too, Misik noted prisons are undergoing major changes to conform to the new Constitution.

He said some of the reforms would include provision of shoes and sweaters to inmates.

"We have come far," said Misik. "Most of the institutions have been supplied with radios and television sets to keep inmates updated on current events and they are also currently sleeping on mattresses and not on the floor."

He added convicts are likely to vote in the 2012 General Election.

"They voted during the referendum and chances are high they may vote in the next polls," said Misik.

Misik will now work closely with former PPO King’ori Mwangi who also left Western province to head a similar department in the police force.