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By Anonymous Reporter
Nairobi, Kenya - Prison officers in Kenya face harsh living conditions and low pay, according to a recent investigation by this news outlet.
The investigation revealed that newly recruited officers are housed in open halls that are partitioned with cardboard, newspapers, bed sheets or polythene. These makeshift rooms offer little privacy or security for the officers and their families.
The officers also have to share communal bathrooms and toilets, which are often dirty and lack water. Some officers resort to fetching water from nearby rivers or wells, exposing themselves to health risks.
The investigation also found that the officers are paid meagre salaries, ranging from Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 25,000 per month, depending on their rank and experience. This is barely enough to cover their basic needs, let alone save for the future.
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The officers also face constant threats and challenges from the inmates, who outnumber them by a large margin. The officers have to deal with violent attacks, riots, escapes, diseases, and corruption within the prison system.
The investigation also revealed that the officers have limited opportunities for career advancement and training. Many officers have been stuck in the same position for years, without any promotion or recognition. Some officers have resorted to seeking transfers to other departments or quitting the service altogether.
The investigation calls for urgent reforms in the prison system, to improve the welfare and morale of the prison officers, who play a vital role in maintaining law and order in the country. The investigation also urges the government to allocate more resources and funds to the prison sector, to address the issues of overcrowding, infrastructure, and security.
