'Horrible living conditions for prison officers breed corruption'

Wardens houses at Nakuru GK Prison before modern housing units were constructed. [File, Standard]

Some prisons facilities are run like family businesses, according to a report by a taskforce led by Retired Chief Justice David Maraga.

The Kenya Prisons Service (KPS)has been described as corrupt, especially in recruitment, promotions, and procurement processes.

The National Taskforce On Police Reforms' report highlights a significant disconnect between senior leadership and the realities faced by junior officers, resulting in a highly inefficient system.

"Nepotism is widespread, with officers securing positions for family members, further complicating command challenges," the report said.

KPS officers also collude with inmates to engage in crimes such as drug trafficking and cybercrimes, among others.

"There were widespread reports of persistent collusion between rogue prison officers and prisoners in running phone scams, fraud, petty trade, and drug trafficking from prison precincts, painting a picture of a highly compromised service that cannot perform its core mandate of correction and rehabilitation," the report states.

Besides, officers endure horrendous conditions, compromising privacy and human dignity, leading to low morale and disillusionment, particularly among junior officers.

"Many officers and their families live in mud houses, dilapidated structures, or tents. Multiple families often share dormitories, separated only by bedsheets," it states.

The Maraga task force report reveals that prisons, designed to hold a capacity of 29,000 inmates, frequently exceed 60,000, leading to inadequate sanitation facilities
To reform the service, Maraga also says that the Prisons Act of 1977 requires an overhaul as it is outdated.

The task force recommends vetting of all senior officers and restructuring the Prisons Council within six months of the report's publication.

The report suggests designating the Commissioner-General of Prisons as the accounting officer to ensure financial accountability. Currently, the accounting officer is the Principal Secretary in charge of Correctional Services.

"Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary should establish a Prisons Reform Unit to ensure continuous and sustainable reforms in KPS. The role of the Ministry of Interior and the State Department for Correctional Services should remain one of providing policy guidelines to the service," the report states.

The report also recommends that the entry requirement into the service be capped at a minimum grade of C- in KCSE, except for candidates from marginalised areas.

"To address challenges surrounding immaturity prevalent in new recruits, the minimum recruitment age should be raised from 18 to 21 years, and initial training for cadets should last no less than 15 months, while training for constables should not be less than 12 months," the report states.

The task force recommends establishing grades for Inspector II and I, and introducing Constable III, II, and I, as well as Corporal III, II, and I within the ranks. These positions should be filled through an open and competitive promotion process based on merit.

To remedy poor conditions, the task force recommends that the newly appointed Prisons Council urgently develop a housing policy.