The Ministry of Correctional Services has announced plans to decongest prisons in order to improve prison conditions.
Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary Ministry for the State Department of Correctional Services, stated that they are collaborating with the Judiciary to ensure that petty offenders are given non-custodial service so that they can continue to contribute to the country’s economy.
Speaking on Thursday at the Mwea prisons, the PS stated that the majority of the prisoners will be released through the Power of Mercy, and that most of the inmates could be released through clemency by the end of the year.
She argued that if the department continues holding a lot of prisoners in Kenyan prisons it will be detrimental.
At the moment, Kenyan prisons are overcrowded.
Those who have been imprisoned for minor offenses, as well as those on long sentences who can demonstrate that they have changed their ways, will be released.
According to the PS, the decongestion will allow resources to be focused on improving conditions for those who remain incarcerated.
Muthoni went on to say that they intend to promote prison officers in order to improve their welfare.
