NAIROBI, Kenya — In his first week in office, newly appointed Prisons Commissioner General Patrick Mwiti has pledged a comprehensive overhaul of the prisons department, with a focus on modernization and inmate rehabilitation.
Mwiti’s ambitious plans include decongesting prisons, modernizing prison industries and farm technology, and revolutionizing the education system for inmates.
Speaking during his first media appearance, the Prisons boss highlighted the pressing issue of overcrowded prisons.
“Our facilities currently host about 62,000 inmates, far exceeding their capacity of 30,000,” he said.
To address this, he plans to work closely with the Judiciary to expedite the process of decongesting prisons.
“We need a streamlined approach to ensure that only those who truly need to be incarcerated are behind bars. This will involve alternative sentencing and faster judicial processes,” he added.
He also emphasized the importance of self-sustainability within the prison system.
“We will focus on modernizing prison industries and farm technology. Our goal is not only to feed ourselves but also to contribute to the country’s food security,” he stated.
This initiative aims to transform prisons into centers of productivity, reducing dependency on government resources.
He further said education will play a crucial role in his reform agenda.
“We must equip inmates with the necessary skills to reintegrate into society once they are released,” he said.
To achieve this, he plans to collaborate with stakeholders in the education sector to enhance the quality of education offered in prisons.
“We will introduce vocational training programs and improve access to formal education. Our objective is to prepare inmates for a successful life after prison,” he explained.
Further, he announced plans to tackle the housing shortfall for prison wardens.
“As part of President William Ruto’s initiative, we will embark on the construction of 28,000 houses for prison wardens,” he said.
This project aims to improve living conditions for prison staff, ensuring they have a conducive environment to perform their duties.
