Male inmates at Kajiado GK Prison are set to get better sleep after the facility received 260 triple-decker beds in a fresh push by the government to improve prison conditions across the country.
The donation was made under the “He for He, Adopt a Decker” campaign, an initiative by the State Department for Correctional Services in partnership with the Catholic Men Association-Kenya (CMAK). The programme seeks to end the long-standing challenge of congestion in men’s prisons by ensuring that every inmate has access to a bed.
Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Salome Beacco, who presided over the commissioning, said the campaign was borne out of the need to address dire conditions in male correctional facilities.
“During my visits to various prisons, I noticed the harsh reality facing male inmates, many of whom are forced to sleep on the hard floor due to overcrowding. This campaign is a step towards restoring dignity, safety and humane treatment in our prisons,” Beacco said.
She added that the government has set a target of 20,000 triple-decker beds to cater for the over 57,000 male inmates in Kenya. Kajiado is the second facility to benefit from the programme after Nairobi West Prison.
The PS also credited her predecessor, former Vice-President Moody Awori, for pioneering open-door reforms in correctional services, which laid the foundation for today’s initiatives.
“Progress in prisons requires openness, innovation and a steadfast commitment to human dignity. This campaign is designed not only to ease overcrowding but also to promote better working conditions for prison officers,” she said.
Commissioner-General of Prisons, Patrick Arundah, praised the campaign, saying it represents a milestone in correctional reforms.
“This is an act of kindness and love that restores dignity to our inmates. I urge the prisoners to embrace rehabilitation fully, so they can reintegrate into society with dignity once their sentences are served,” Arundah said.
Kajiado GK Prison Officer-in-Charge, Charles Otuoro, said the improved accommodation will reduce stress among inmates, create a healthier environment, and boost morale among warders.
“The triple-decker beds will expand dormitory capacity while maintaining safety and dignity standards in the facilities. Better sleeping arrangements mean a calmer inmate population and a more stable workforce,” he noted.
CMAK representative George Mwangi urged religious institutions to work with the government to sustain the campaign.
“This initiative is dear to the transformative agenda of the nation. It shows prisons should be centres of rehabilitation, not punishment,” Mwangi said.
by Lauryn Nailantei
