Members of Parliament voiced disappointment over the slow pace of prison reforms, pointing to harsh living and working conditions, idle prison land, and the escalating number of scams reportedly being orchestrated from behind bars.
The concerns were made when the Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service, Patrick Aranduh, appeared before the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) to address growing concerns over the enforcement of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act.
His appearance came amid heightened scrutiny surrounding the condition of correctional facilities, the management and use of prison land, and the general welfare of both inmates and prison staff.
Embakasi Central MP, Mejja Donk Benjamin, emphasized the need for a comprehensive audit of the Appropriations-in-Aid (AiA) account, raising questions about the transparency in the handling of revenue generated within prisons.
CIOC Chairperson, Eric Karemba (Runyenjes), sought clarification on the legal framework surrounding prison labour, pressing the Commissioner to explain whether inmates are being exploited under the pretext of rehabilitation efforts.
Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya added that inmates have the potential to contribute to the national economy if provided with the right skills and opportunities.
Citing China as an example, he called for a well-structured rehabilitation strategy that not only reforms prisoners but also equips them to reintegrate economically upon release.
In response, Patrick Aranduh asserted that all prison land is currently in use and emphasized that inmate labour is geared toward rehabilitation rather than profit-making.
"There is no idle land under the Prisons Service—everything is being utilized. The work inmates engage in is for their rehabilitation, not for commercial purposes," he clarified, noting that the Correctional Services Bill, which seeks to formalize prison labour structures, is still under consideration.
Meanwhile, Tiaty MP William Kamket voiced serious concerns about the growing number of scams originating from within prisons, as well as the issue of overcrowding.
"These scams are widespread and erode public confidence. What definitive actions are being taken to curb this menace?" he demanded.
In his response, the Commissioner General acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised but fell short of presenting a clear-cut strategy, leading lawmakers to push for the adoption of technology-driven surveillance systems and tighter internal controls to combat fraud.
He mentioned that efforts to ease congestion are ongoing in partnership with the Judiciary, involving the redistribution of inmates according to the severity of their offenses.
However, he admitted that broader, long-term reforms are necessary.
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua criticized the dire state of both inmates and prison staff.
"Prisoners are barely clothed, and officers are enduring harsh conditions. Why are they not entitled to allowances like those given to teachers?" she questioned, highlighting the pressing need to improve living and working standards within the correctional system.
Aranduh admitted to the challenges faced in providing adequate resources.
"We’ve distributed new uniforms nationwide, but the annual budget doesn’t allow for regular replacements for all inmates. Hardship allowances are only granted where public service regulations permit," he explained.