The national government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving conditions in correctional facilities by addressing the long-standing shortage of beds and bedding for inmates across the country.
Speaking during the handover of donated beds at Meru Main GK Prison, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr Salome Muhia Beacco said the government, under President William Ruto's administration, is implementing reforms aimed at restoring dignity to both inmates and prison officers.
The remarks came after the Board of Management of Kaaga Girls High School donated 180 metallic beds, 180 mattresses and 180 sets of bedding to the prison. The donation is expected to benefit male inmates who, according to prison authorities, have gone for decades without proper sleeping facilities.
Dr Beacco described the donation as a landmark gesture, noting that it marks the first time male inmates at the institution have received such support since the prison's establishment in 1911.
"We currently have about 64,000 inmates in our correctional facilities, in addition to nearly 61,000 people under probation and aftercare programmes. These are significant numbers that require adequate support. For more than a century, male prisoners have lived without proper bedding, and that situation has been deeply unfortunate. As public servants implementing the President's agenda, we remain committed to improving their welfare," she said.
She noted that the government has embarked on several initiatives to transform correctional facilities, including construction of better accommodation, provision of quality beds and bedding, improved sanitation and creating a more humane environment for inmates and staff.
According to the PS, the government also introduced triple-decker bed projects last year to help address congestion in prisons, adding that new development projects will continue to be rolled out annually.
"Our objective is to modernize correctional institutions step by step. Every year we intend to introduce projects that improve living and working conditions, just as the education sector continues to expand and modernize its infrastructure," she said.
Dr. Beacco further assured prison officers that the government is committed to improving their housing conditions.
"We want every prison officer to have decent accommodation. The projects underway are designed to restore dignity not only to inmates but also to the officers serving in our correctional facilities," she added.
She urged stakeholders to work together in supporting government efforts to reform the correctional sector for the benefit of the country.
The PS also appealed to Kenyans to support President William Ruto's administration in the 2027 General Election, saying another term would allow the government to complete the reforms and development projects already underway.
"We have made notable progress over the last three to four years, but there is still much to accomplish. Transforming correctional facilities is a long-term process that requires consistency and adequate time. Strategic plans are usually implemented over five to ten years, and we are seeking an opportunity to complete the modernization agenda. Our aspiration is to build correctional institutions that meet international standards, comparable to countries such as Singapore," she said.
Kenya Prisons Service Director of Enterprise Charles Mutembei commended Kaaga Girls High School for the donation, saying it demonstrates the value of collaboration between government institutions and the community in supporting prison reforms.
He observed that partnerships of this nature play a critical role in improving the welfare of inmates while complementing government efforts to enhance correctional services.
Kaaga Girls' High School Chief Principal Eunice Maeke said the school donated the beds after the Ministry of Education directed learning institutions to phase out wooden beds from dormitories to improve student safety and reduce fire risks.
"Instead of disposing of the beds, we resolved to donate them to Meru GK Prison as part of our corporate social responsibility programme so they could continue serving a meaningful purpose," she said.
Maeke said the school remains committed to instilling values of compassion, service and social responsibility among learners.
She emphasized that education should go beyond academic achievement by producing young people who are sensitive to the needs of society and willing to make a positive contribution to the lives of others.
The national government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving conditions in correctional facilities. It aims to address the long-standing shortage of beds and bedding for inmates across the country.
Speaking during the handover of donated beds at Meru Main GK Prison, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr. Salome Muhia Beacco said the government under President William Ruto is implementing reforms. The goal is to restore dignity to inmates and prison officers.
The remarks followed a donation by the Board of Management of Kaaga Girls High School. The school gave 180 metallic beds, 180 mattresses, and 180 sets of bedding. The items will benefit male inmates who have gone decades without proper sleeping facilities.
Dr. Beacco called the donation a landmark gesture. She said it is the first time male inmates at the facility have received such support since 1911.
“We have about 64,000 inmates in our facilities and nearly 61,000 people under probation and aftercare. These numbers need strong support. For over a century, male prisoners have lacked proper bedding. That has been unfortunate. As public servants, we are committed to improving their welfare,” she said.
She said the government is working to transform correctional facilities. This includes better housing, quality beds and bedding, improved sanitation, and a more humane environment for inmates and staff.
She added that triple-decker beds were introduced last year to reduce congestion. New projects will continue every year.
“Our goal is to modernize prisons step by step. Each year we will roll out projects that improve living and working conditions, just as the education sector continues to grow,” she said.
Dr Beacco also said prison officers will benefit from better housing.
“We want every officer to live in decent housing. These projects aim to restore dignity to both inmates and staff,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to support prison reforms for national benefit.
She also called on Kenyans to support President Ruto in the 2027 General Election. She said another term would help complete ongoing reforms.
“We have made progress in the last few years, but more remains. Prison reform takes time. It needs consistency and long-term planning. We aim to build facilities that meet international standards, like those in Singapore,” she said.
Kenya Prisons Service Director of Enterprise Charles Mutembei praised Kaaga Girls' High School. He said the donation shows the value of partnerships in supporting prison reforms.
He said such collaborations improve inmate welfare and support government efforts.
Ms Maeke said the school donated the beds after a directive from the Ministry of Education. Schools were asked to phase out wooden beds to improve safety and reduce fire risks.
“Instead of disposing of them, we chose to donate them to Meru GK Prison as part of our social responsibility,” she said.
Maeke said the school is committed to teaching compassion and service.
She said education should go beyond academics and encourage students to support society.
