State begins major housing project for prison officers

ERASTUS GICHOHI-KNA

The Government has begun construction of 3,000 housing units for prison officers, in a move aimed at improving their welfare and addressing long-standing accommodation challenges in correctional facilities across the country.

For many years, the Kenya Prisons Service has grappled with inadequate and poor housing conditions, forcing some officers, particularly new recruits, to seek accommodation outside prison facilities.

This situation has not only strained officers financially but also affected their efficiency and morale while carrying out their duties.

The new housing initiative is part of a broader programme that seeks to construct a total of 28,000 housing units for prison officers in phases over the coming years.

The project is being implemented through a partnership between the State Department for Correctional Services and the Ministry of Housing, with billions of shillings expected to be invested.

According to the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Salome Beacco, the first phase of the project has already commenced and targets the delivery of 3,000 housing units.

She noted that the pro gramme is designed to ensure prison officers have access to decent and secure housing within or near their workplaces.

Beacco emphasized that improving living conditions for prison Salome Beacco, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, (left), plants a tree at Naivasha Medium Prison during an exercise where she announced plans to construct 3,000 housing units for prison officers.  

In addition to the housing programme, the government is also working on improving the remuneration of prison officers.

Beacco revealed that plans are underway to implement salary increments as recommended by the Maraga Taskforce, a move that has long been advocated for within the service.  

At the same time, the State Department for Correctional Services has intensified efforts to decongest prisons.

Through the President’s power of mercy, 4,950 petty offenders have already been released.

This initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities.

Further measures include the adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and crime prevention programmes.

These initiatives are intended to reduce the number of offenders entering the prison system while promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The department has also expanded community outreach programmes targeting schools, churches, colleges, and local communities.

These engagements are focused on educating young people about the consequences of crime and encouraging positive behavior.

According to Beacco, the programmes are already yielding results, with a noticeable decline in the number of youths being sent to prison.