The Department of Correctional Services has raised concern over the continued congestion of prisons in the country attributing it to frequent case adjournments, delays and unfair bond terms among others.
State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr Salome Muhia while acknowledging the concern said that they are working with various stakeholders including the Judiciary to find a lasting solution.
Speaking during a visit at the Thika Main Prison, the PS said the decongestion will be periodic, citing last year when they released 4,000 inmates, the highest number released over the years adding that another 200 files are currently under review by the Director of Public prosecutions (DPP) and once concluded, the inmates will also be released to the community.
She added that they are also engaging the police and the community by ensuring petty cases are addressed through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms (ADR). "Most of our prisons remain congested due to the many remand cases waiting to go through the court process.
