Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen during a tour of Eldoret Main Prison and Eldoret Women’s Prison/HANDOUT
Speaking during a tour to Eldoret Main Prison and Eldoret Women’s Prison, Murkomen said top on his agenda is to complete the stalled houses in various prisons so as to improve the welfare of prison wardens and inmates.
According to the CS, this will go a long way in enhancing the rehabilitation of prisoners.
"We are very much committed to improving our prisons facilities. In our housing programme we want to have modern correction facilities so that it can help us in our rehabilitation programme," he stated.
He said: "One of the biggest components of reforms in the prisons is through the housing project...we are going to construct modern houses for inmates and most importantly for our prisons officers."
Murkomen who was accompanied by several government officials also vowed to expedite the reforms on the power of mercy.
The reforms, he noted, will ensure that inmates who have been pardoned can be released faster to join other Kenyans in national development.
"I am aware that the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) recommendations take a long time to be effected...I will discuss with the Attorney General to expedite the process so that those who qualify for pardons are released in the shortest time possible," said Murkomen.
He said this will also help to decongest the prisons across the country.
The CS was at the facilities to check the conditions for inmates and the infrastructure needs.
He was also apprised of the educational, vocational and correctional programs in the facilities and shared the festive season cheer with the officers and inmates.
To achieve this, he said, the welfare of prisoners and prison officers must be given due consideration at all times.
He pointed out that an effective prison system plays a vital role in ensuring we have a safe society.
Several reforms have over the years been recommended to improve our prison services, some of which are pending implementation.
