Legislators Demand Legal Framework for Inmates to Access Conjugal Visits
Kenya’s National Assembly is again talking about prisoners’ rights, with MPs now pushing for conjugal visits to be officially recognized and supported in correctional facilities.
The Parliamentary Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, chaired by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, said the country lacks a clear legal framework and infrastructure to facilitate conjugal rights for inmates.
“We want to implement family rights, which include conjugal rights. For now it’s difficult for prisoners to get their conjugal rights because there is no framework. Something like that needs a lot of facilities,” Omondi said during a tour of Mtangani GK Prison and Bofa GK Prison in Kilifi County.
Longstanding Legal Debate
The issue has been debated for years, with courts being asked to determine whether denying inmates conjugal visits is a breach of constitutional rights. In 2023, the Meru High Court ruled that the absence of facilities and enabling legislation meant there was no violation of rights, effectively leaving the matter unresolved at policy level.
Broader Prison Reforms
Beyond conjugal rights, the committee highlighted other reforms to align Kenya’s prison system with international standards. MPs want the government to enroll inmates in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to access medical services.
They also raised concerns over delayed court processes that leave suspects in remand for years. “There are suspects who have been in remand for four years but have gone to court only twice. There’s no need to have a suspect stay long in remand yet the case is not moving,” Omondi said.
Land Grabbing and Infrastructure Challenges
The committee asked individuals who have grabbed prison land in Kilifi to surrender it, saying encroachment hinders prison operations. They plan to allocate funds for the construction of a women’s prison at Bofa GK Prison to address overcrowding and gender specific needs.
Omondi also noted that prison workshops are idle due to lack of raw materials and equipment and asked the government to intervene urgently to restore their role in rehabilitation.
Tackling Radicalisation Behind Bars
With Kilifi County experiencing cult-related tragedies, prison authorities assured MPs that radicalisation in prisons is being addressed.
Deputy Commissioner General Jane Kirii said the department has put in place strict separation strategies and de-radicalisation programs to counter extremist influence among inmates.
“We separate them and classify them. We don’t mix them with the general population and classify them according to their level of offence.” Ms. Kirii explained.
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Legislators Demand Legal Framework for Inmates to Access Conjugal Visits