Murkomen says humane prison conditions vital for rehabilitation

By , September 3, 2025

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has emphasised the critical importance of humane prison conditions in ensuring effective rehabilitation of inmates across Kenya’s correctional facilities.

In a statement posted on his X account on September 2, 2025, Murkomen revealed that living conditions in prisons have emerged as a major concern during the government’s ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama counties tour.

The CS underscored the government’s commitment to creating more humane environments that support the rehabilitation process rather than simply confining offenders.

“Over the course of our Jukwaa la Usalama counties tour, the living conditions in our prisons have repeatedly featured as a critical concern,” Murkomen stated.

A screenshot of Murkomen's statement. PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital from a statement shared on X by @kipmurkomen
A screenshot of Murkomen’s statement. PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital from a statement shared on X by @kipmurkomen

Rehabilitation focus

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo echoed the sentiments expressed by Murkomen, highlighting that improving living conditions is essential for promoting dignity and effective rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

In a separate statement on his X account, also dated September 2, 2025, Omollo stressed the need to address overcrowding and enhance conditions to support the transformation and reintegration of inmates.

The Principal Secretary pointed out that humane treatment within correctional facilities is crucial for fostering dignity and supporting effective rehabilitation programs.

“In tackling overcrowding and improving living conditions, the campaign underscores our commitment to a correctional system that upholds justice and nurtures transformation and reintegration,” Omollo noted.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo. PHOTO/@ray_omollo/X
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo at a past event. PHOTO/@ray_omollo/X

Call for prison reforms

Their comments resonate with those made by Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Muhia, who has called for reforms in the prison system.

Speaking during the observance of Nelson Mandela Day and the presentation of the System, Policies, Procedures, and Practices Review Report at the Kenya Prisons Service in July 2025, she highlighted ongoing issues such as corruption, mismanagement, inadequate healthcare, and the lack of humane facilities.

“Our prisons mirror our society; what you see in those cells tells you who we are,” she stated.

“If we don’t care about our neighbour, their dignity, or the standards they’re subjected to, then we are failing as a society,” she warned.

More Articles