Prisoners to be paid salaries and pay tax in new reforms
In a groundbreaking move, the Kenyan government has announced reforms that will see prisoners earning salaries and paying taxes while serving their sentences.
This initiative aims to transform the prison system into a productive and rehabilitative environment, ensuring that inmates contribute to society both during and after their incarceration.
The government has partnered with development organizations, including the Chandaria Foundation, to spearhead the construction of bakeries and the modernization of workshops within prison facilities. Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco revealed that eight key priority areas have been identified to ensure the success of these reforms.
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These areas include the automation of revenue collection, legal and policy framework support, revitalization of prison farms, modernization of prison industries, and social protection.
Additionally, the reforms will focus on education and vocational training coordination, improving institutional infrastructure and operational capacity, housing, and addressing environmental and climate change concerns.
“We want our offenders to work, pay taxes, and support their families while serving their sentences,” Dr. Beacco stated during a parliamentary committee session. The construction of bakeries is already underway in Kisumu, Mombasa, Meru, Nyeri, and Eldoret prisons.
The reforms emphasize a rights-based approach to rehabilitation, with initiatives to support prison officers’ training, enhance medical care, improve dietary options, provide better clothing and bedding, and facilitate improved transportation and remote parenting.
Kenya’s Prisons Service is known for producing high-quality furniture and has undertaken significant projects, such as the 2012 renovation of the National Assembly and Senate debating chambers.
Currently, Kamiti Maximum Prison boasts the largest furniture industry in the country. The service is also involved in revamping the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters.
Dr. Beacco addressed concerns that the reforms might make prison life too comfortable, potentially deterring inmates from leaving. She emphasized that the primary goal is rehabilitation and seamless reintegration into society.
With 135 prisons housing over 63,000 inmates, Kenya faces significant challenges in feeding and accommodating its prison population.
The reforms aim to decongest facilities through community corrections and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Improvements in inmate welfare include providing adequate beds, mattresses, blankets, and personal effects. Staff welfare will also be enhanced with better stores and housing.
Prisoners will contribute to the construction of 28,000 housing units as part of the government’s affordable housing program.
Additionally, they will participate in planting 100 million trees annually to help Kenya meet the United Nations’ recommended 12 percent forest cover.
The government plans to support these reforms through administrative, legal, and policy frameworks, including acquiring title deeds for prison lands and consolidating various sector laws into a unified legal instrument.
