National Assembly Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee members have called for a major administrative restructuring of Kenya’s correctional services, arguing that the move is necessary to revive stalled prison reforms and improve deteriorating conditions in penal institutions across the country.

The lawmakers made the remarks during an inspection tour of Naivasha Maximum Prison, Naivasha Medium Prison and Naivasha Women’s Prison on Wednesday, where they encountered severe overcrowding, failing infrastructure, inadequate medical services and widespread operational challenges.

The Committee, chaired by Benjamin Gathiru, said the current placement of correctional services under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has denied the sector the focused leadership it previously enjoyed when it operated under the Office of the Vice President.

According to the MPs, the lack of dedicated administrative attention has slowed implementation of critical reforms that once transformed prison conditions and improved inmate rehabilitation.

“You will recall that when former Vice President Moody Awori initiated prison reforms, there was a visible change in attitude among both inmates and prison officers. Those reforms would have been sustained had the administration remained in an office capable of providing that specific level of attention,” Gathiru said.

Jessica Mbalu supported the proposal, saying the Interior Ministry is heavily burdened by broader security and administrative responsibilities, leaving prison management without adequate policy focus.

The inspection painted a grim picture of life inside the correctional facilities.

At Naivasha Maximum Prison, built in 1969 to accommodate 1,590 inmates, the current population stands at approximately 2,300 prisoners. Meanwhile, Naivasha Medium Prison, originally designed for 300 inmates, is now holding 926 — more than triple its intended capacity.

Committee members were informed that only a third of installed CCTV cameras at the maximum prison are operational, while aging sewer systems and leaking roofs are struggling to support the growing inmate population.

Prison officers also raised security concerns, saying they lack communication equipment within the expansive facilities because officers are prohibited from carrying mobile phones while on duty.

At the women’s prison, lawmakers heard that despite its elevation to a full prison facility in 2019, it still lacks a dispensary, a mother-and-baby unit and a perimeter wall. The facility also has no dedicated vehicle, forcing staff to rely on neighboring prisons during emergencies.

The Committee further learned that implementation of the Social Health Authority programme has stalled in prisons because many inmates do not possess national identity cards, making them ineligible for specialized healthcare services.

Concerns were also raised about the welfare of prison officers, particularly their mental health.

“Do you, as officers, receive mental therapy or counseling? I am certain that what you endure in your daily operations is immense,” Mbalu asked during the session.

Officials admitted that counseling services are unavailable, adding that the psychological strain of prison work frequently affects officers’ family lives.

The officer in charge told MPs that the absence of a dedicated medical budget has forced prison administrators to purchase medicine and toiletries using personal funds or rely on support from inmates’ families.

Other challenges highlighted during the inspection included an obsolete vehicle fleet, inadequate protective gear for officers escorting dangerous inmates, and lack of walkthrough scanners to prevent contraband from entering prison compounds.

Inmates also complained about declining access to pro bono legal services and difficulties communicating with family members due to lack of airtime, often depending on prison staff to recharge personal phones.

Prisoners presented a memorandum urging Parliament to review the Kenya Prisons Act and the Sexual Offences Act, arguing that portions of the laws no longer reflect current realities.

Among the proposals was the introduction of a parole system to allow rehabilitated inmates to earn early release, with prisoners citing South Africa’s sentencing review model as a possible benchmark.

To improve accountability and resource allocation, the Committee discussed the possibility of designating the Commissioner General of Prisons as an independent accounting officer to ensure funds reach facilities in a timely manner.

“We are here as representatives of the people to see firsthand the status of our correctional facilities and evaluate whether the government is upholding the Constitution in their management,” Gathiru said.

The Committee said it will table a comprehensive report in Parliament aimed at aligning Kenya’s correctional system with constitutional requirements and international standards on prison management and inmate welfare.