The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Implementation Oversight (CIOC) has renewed calls for reforms in the country’s prisons, with lawmakers pushing for the recognition of conjugal rights for inmates.

Led by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, the lawmakers raised concerns over poor infrastructure, limited healthcare and the denial of conjugal rights for inmates, promising reforms to restore dignity and strengthen rehabilitation.

The call was made during a visit to Kaloleni Main Prison in Kilifi County on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Omondi argued that the implementation of conjugal rights in prisons remains uncertain in the absence of a clear legal framework.

“Tumeongea hiyo maneno sana maneno ya conjugal rights na siyo conjugal rights tu, tumeongea maneno ya family rights, na kwa sahi hakuna vile unaweza sema watu watapata conjugal rights kwa sababu hakuna framework law,”Omondi said.

In addition to conjugal rights, the lawmakers plan to implement other reforms that will borrow from international best practices. 

Refroms

The MP said that the committee was working on creating a legal framework to address issues such as conjugal rights, voting rights for inmates, and sexual health, noting that these were among the matters they had already discussed.

“Kwanza kukuwe na sheria hiyo ni vitu tunaend kurekebisha tuone vile tunaweza weka framework ya vitu kama hiyo.hata voting rights tumeonge na wafungwa hata sexual heath tumeongea hizo zote,”revealed.

“Tumekuja kuongea na wafungwa vile vile na officers wa gereza ili tuweze kuangalia vile tuta badilisha masheria iliziunganishwe na katiba ya 2010 kwa sababu maneno ya reforms bado haijakamilika.”

The Committee also pledged to work with key stakeholders to fast-track reforms aimed at improving conditions in correctional facilities.

“The Committee pledged to work closely with relevant stakeholders to address these issues, advocating for urgent reforms to enhance the humane treatment of inmates and the overall improvement of correctional facilities in Kenya,” the statement noted.

With this demand, Parliament signalled a shift in prison reform, placing skills training, accountability, and self-sustenance at the centre of Kenya’s correctional system.

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“The fund is expected to play a critical role in financing Kenya’s Prisons Service activities while supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society,” the committee stated.

MPs decry crisis in prisons

During the inspection, the Committee also raised concerns about systemic challenges that continue to cripple Kenya’s prisons. Among the issues highlighted were severe overcrowding, chronic underfunding, inadequate healthcare services, and a shortage of professionals such as psychologists and counsellors.

Members further pointed to crosscutting problems within the wider justice system, citing delays in cases, lack of coordination, and corruption as barriers to meaningful reform. They also flagged radicalisation, drug abuse, and piracy as emerging threats within prisons.