Government to use Sh 3billion to improve prisons: Kindiki
National
By
Jane Mugambi
| May 08, 2023
The government is going to use Sh3 billion to improve the standards of all prisons in the country.
Speaking at the Gathigiriri prisons, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the government said the improvement will make prisons humane facilities.
Kindiki said the government is waiting for a report by former Chief Justice David Maraga, who is the chairperson of the Police Reforms task force, afterwhich the report will be handed to the President.
"Prisons have been in a deplorable state thus need to be improved. I will be waiting for the Maraga task force to know what prisoners need,"Kindiki said.
The CS also said the government is going to equip all prisons with modern equipment at a cost of Sh 2billion while Sh1billion will be spent on bedding and uniform.
Kindiki toured the area where a dispensary, mill and store will be put up with the construction starting on Tuesday.
"A dispensary will be put up and it will offer fast aid treatment to prisoners who fall sick," said Kindiki.
"I have to appreciate the Commissioner General and the PS who have already given recommendations that prisoners have a bed and a mattress to improve their living standards,"he added.
Starting June 1, 2023, Kindiki says prisoners will have two uniforms to enable them have a change of clothes.
"What I have seen at the Gathigiriri prison is bad,the situation is pathetic in the 21st century I didn't expect the situation of staff houses to be so deplorable,"said Kindiki.
In an effort to decogest prisons, Kindiki said petty offenders should have Alternative Dispute Resolution as a way to solve issues and give space in our prisons.
The CS said he will be meeting the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Hajj and the Chief Justice Martha Koome to address the issue and also guide the courts on using ADR for solving petty matters .
"We should embrace ADR methods,this is a way to create space in our prisons, the other way is trying to find a solution for that petty offender,"he said.