Blocked Sewers, Sick Inmates: Growing Health Fears at Kamiti Maximum Prison

Following earlier concerns raised about the conduct of some officers attached to Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, fresh claims have now emerged from sources within the correctional system pointing to a deteriorating sanitation situation at the facility, with fears that prolonged infrastructure failures could create a public health crisis if not addressed urgently.

According to information shared with Nyakundi Report, sections of the prison have reportedly been grappling with blocked sewage systems for close to two months, creating unsanitary conditions that sources say have contributed to a rise in diarrhea-related illnesses among inmates.

The latest concerns come weeks after prison authorities reportedly moved to address complaints about officer conduct following public attention on allegations of drunkenness and other disciplinary issues involving some officers residing in areas around Kamiti.

Sources indicate that corrective measures were introduced after senior regional prison officials engaged officers on the matter.

Attention has now shifted to the state of sanitation infrastructure within the prison, where sources claim temporary interventions have been used to clear blocked sewage lines without resolving the underlying problem. The situation is said to have persisted for several weeks, with recurring blockages continuing to affect sections of the facility.

Sources familiar with the matter state that concerns have been raised internally about the health implications of the deteriorating sanitation conditions, particularly in a confined environment where large numbers of inmates live in close proximity and where outbreaks of communicable diseases can spread rapidly if preventive measures are not taken.

The situation has reportedly generated anxiety among medical personnel and other staff who fear that continued delays in addressing the sewage problem could create conditions favourable for the spread of waterborne diseases. Sources say there are growing calls for urgent intervention before the situation worsens further.

Questions are also being raised about the availability of resources for maintenance works, with claims that funding required for repairs and long-term infrastructure restoration has yet to be released.

Those familiar with the matter say this has contributed to the continued reliance on short-term measures rather than comprehensive repairs capable of restoring normal sanitation standards.

Calls for answers are now being directed at the Kenya Prisons Service and the State Department for Correctional Services over the reported failure to resolve the sanitation crisis, with concerns growing over why blocked sewer lines have allegedly been allowed to persist for weeks inside one of the country's most important correctional facilities.

For a prison that houses a large inmate population and operates within a highly controlled environment, the reported deterioration of sanitation infrastructure has sparked alarm over the welfare of inmates and staff, particularly amid claims of rising diarrhea-related illnesses and warnings that continued inaction could pave the way for a far more serious public health emergency.

Sources familiar with the situation say the issue can no longer be treated as a routine maintenance problem but as an urgent matter requiring immediate intervention, accountability and a lasting solution to prevent further deterioration of conditions inside the facility.

"Hello Nyakundi. Sanitation at Kamiti Maximum Prison. Of late, I have seen you consistently highlighting the plight of prisons, and I appreciate your efforts in bringing these issues to light. At Kamiti, after your address concerning drunkenness and irresponsible conduct among officers, the Nairobi Regional Commander, Mr. Limanye, reportedly addressed the officers and measures were put in place to help curb the vice. However, there is another urgent issue at Kamiti Maximum Prison that needs immediate attention. Sanitation has greatly deteriorated. Sewage systems have been blocked for nearly two months, and inmates are reportedly suffering from severe diarrhea-related illnesses. Inmates are used to unblock the sewers, but no long-term measures are being put in place. We are being told that maintenance funds have not been released by the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services. Doctors here are raising concerns that there is growing fear that this could soon escalate into a cholera outbreak if no action is taken urgently. Thank you for continuing to expose the reality on the ground. Your voice is helping bring attention to issues many people would otherwise never know about."