Kenya Government Embarks on Prison Reforms to Improve Inmate Welfare

Bungoma, Kenya – The government has stepped up efforts to improve infrastructure in correctional facilities across the country in a bid to enhance service delivery and safeguard the dignity of inmates.

PS Salome Muhia Leads Facility Tour in Bungoma

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Muhia, during a visit to Bungoma GK Male and Female Prisons, announced plans to increase the number of beds in prisons to promote better living conditions. She emphasized that senior officials are now taking a hands-on approach by touring grassroots offices to understand operational challenges firsthand.

PS Dr. Salome Muhia during a tour of Bungoma GK Prison to assess ongoing reforms. (Image Courtesy)

Environmental and Health Reforms Underway

Dr. Muhia lauded the Bungoma prison officers for their tree-planting efforts, which align with the presidential target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. She also revealed that inmates are being enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, with 50% already registered at the Bungoma facility. The remaining registrations are expected to be completed within six months.

ID Challenges Affecting SHA Registration

Despite progress, the registration process is encountering delays due to some inmates lacking national ID cards. The Department is working with the Registration of Persons to resolve this issue and ensure every inmate is covered.

Idle Land Put to Agricultural Use

The PS also praised the facility’s management for converting idle land into productive farms, enabling prisons to grow food for internal consumption and enhance sustainability.

Call for Reintegration of Ex-Convicts

Dr. Muhia urged Kenyans to welcome former inmates back into society without discrimination. She emphasized the need to support them through job opportunities and positive social reintegration.

Bungoma County Commissioner Thomas Sankei accompanied Dr. Muhia during the facility tour.