Kenya’s prison system is under the spotlight after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed 87 areas within the correctional services that are vulnerable to corruption, sparking concerns over accountability and governance in the sector.
Highlights:
- EACC has identified 87 corruption-prone zones across correctional services.
- The findings point to systemic vulnerabilities in Kenya’s prison system.
- The report aims to help curb graft within the country’s penal institutions.
- Correctional services are urged to take preventive action.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a warning over rampant corruption risks within Kenya’s correctional services. According to the commission, a total of 87 areas across the country’s prisons and related facilities have been flagged as high-risk zones for graft.
While the EACC did not disclose detailed site-specific findings, the report outlines various systemic issues, including procurement irregularities, misuse of funds, favoritism in staff deployment, and questionable dealings in inmate welfare management.
The commission says these vulnerabilities not only compromise the integrity of correctional institutions but also undermine public trust in the justice system.
The EACC is calling for urgent reforms and strict internal audits within the Kenya Prisons Service and other correctional institutions. It also urges top management to enhance oversight mechanisms and promote ethical practices at all levels.
This move is part of broader efforts to curb corruption in public institutions and ensure that government services are delivered fairly and transparently.
Is it time for a complete overhaul of Kenya’s correctional institutions, or will the warnings go unheard yet again?
