EACC exposes corruption, system failures in Kenyan prisons

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised serious concerns about corruption risks and system failures within the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), revealing a trail of weaknesses that threaten inmate welfare, public funds, and the overall effectiveness of the correctional system.

In a report released on Friday in Nairobi, the EACC said it had carried out a thorough review of the structures, policies, and procedures at KPS.

The study, done in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and supported by the European Union under the PLEAD II Programme, exposed widespread inefficiencies across the prison system.

“The fight against corruption is far from over, but we want to assure Kenyans that we, as a commission, will not give up,” said EACC Chairperson David Oginde, who noted that urgent changes are needed to protect both the integrity of the institution and the dignity of inmates.

“Upholding human dignity is a critical thing,” he added.

According to the report, the legal framework guiding the operations of KPS is outdated and does not align with the Constitution or international standards such as the United Nations’ Mandela Rules. This has created gaps that weaken oversight and transparency.

One major area of concern is the Prison Enterprise Fund, which handles money from prison farms and industries. The report shows the fund operates outside the Public Finance Management Act, leaving it open to misuse.

The EACC also found that the Commissioner General of Prisons has no real control over how funds are budgeted and spent, which affects decision-making and performance.

The audit discovered that money meant for inmates has been diverted to run prison operations, including staff events and medical supplies, raising questions about financial responsibility.

“Inmate welfare is also gravely compromised,” the report states.

The EACC listed cases where inmates lacked essential items such as mattresses, soap, and blankets, conditions that create space for bribery and mistreatment.

Health services were found to be underfunded, with poorly equipped infirmaries, expired medicine, and weak systems for tracking supplies.

Inmates are also not consistently separated based on age, offence, or risk level, which affects rehabilitation and increases the likelihood of reoffending.

The report further revealed irregularities in procurement. Some goods and services were bought without official paperwork, with approvals issued after delivery. In some areas, the same items were bought at very different prices, exposing the service to inflated costs and misuse of funds.

Recruitment within KPS was also found to be riddled with corruption. Some recruits were asked to return bribes after facing disciplinary actions, while others were promoted through tampering with payroll records.

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Other problems noted include stalled construction projects, buildings in use without occupancy certificates, and poor staffing controls.

The report found that some officers were deployed without official appointment letters or clear job descriptions.

To fix these challenges, the EACC is pushing for urgent reforms, including automation of key systems, policy updates, and stronger oversight to restore public trust and improve service delivery.

Salome Beacco, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Correctional Services, welcomed the partnership between the EACC and KPS, saying it marked a step forward for transparency and accountability.

“This is the way to go if we are to strengthen institutions and promote reform,” she said.

The EACC warned that failure to act on the report’s recommendations will leave the Kenya Prisons Service exposed to ongoing inefficiency and corruption.