The Department of Correctional Services is set to work closely with the judiciary to resolve critical issues raised by inmates, following concerns about unfair administration act and policies, case delays, unfair bond terms, access to justice and overcrowding among others.
This announcement came after Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Muhia’s visit to Thika Prison, where she noted that many of the challenges faced by inmates were common across correctional facilities in the country. Dr. Muhia affirmed her commitment to engage the judiciary to find lasting solutions, underscoring the importance of continued partnership between the two entities.
During her visit, inmates shared multiple grievances related to the administration of justice within the prison system. Issues such as unfair administrative act and policies, difficulties in accessing justice, frequent adjournments of their cases, and congestion in the prisons were raised.
Dr. Muhia acknowledged that these concerns were not isolated to Thika Prison but were mirrored in many facilities across the country. She stressed the urgency of addressing these systemic problems to improve the welfare of inmates and ensure fair treatment.
In response, the Principal Secretary assured the inmates that their concerns would be presented to the Judicial Commission in an effort to find sustainable solutions. She highlighted the previous successes of collaboration between the Department of Correctional Services and the judiciary, particularly in efforts to decongest prisons.
Dr. Muhia expressed hope that with continued dialogue and cooperation, further progress could be made in addressing these issues, ensuring that the prison system becomes more efficient and humane.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the system, Dr. Muhia also took time to commend the staff at Thika Prison for their notable improvements. She praised the staff for maintaining a clean and organized environment and for their ongoing efforts to improve various projects within the facility. One of the key developments she highlighted was the construction of 60 new houses for prison staff, which will help improve their living conditions and support better management of the facility.
In alignment with President William Ruto’s bottom-up transformative agenda, Dr. Muhia emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issues of overcrowding in the prison system. She noted that new wards are being constructed at Thika Prison to alleviate congestion, which will help enhance the safety and welfare of both staff and inmates. This, she said, was part of a broader effort to reform the correctional services sector and ensure that it aligns with the government’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development.
