Kenya Prisons Commissioner-General Isaiah Osugo acknowledged that Kodiaga Maximum Security Prison in Kisumu has been releasing untreated wastewater into River Saka, a critical water source for nearby communities. The admission followed inspections of the facility in March 2019, where officials confirmed the environmental and public health risks posed by the aging infrastructure.
The prison's sewer system, originally constructed in the 1950s, had functioned until 2008. Designed to serve inmates, staff, and families, it now struggles to manage the combined load of three correctional facilities, including Kisumu Medium Security and Kisumu Women's prisons. With 3,000 inmates and remandees, the system has become overwhelmed, leading to frequent overflows.
Cholera outbreaks linked to the facility include 30 cases in 2009 and 39 inmates hospitalized in 2017 after initial symptoms. Michael Nyaguti of the Magnam Environmental Network warned that the river's contamination likely contributes to disease transmission. Residents also reported waste discharge into neighboring villages, prompting interventions from the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema).
Nema Inspector Robert Orena cited faulty bypass systems as the primary issue, noting that heavy rains cause raw sewage to overflow lagoons and contaminate surrounding areas. A Sh6 million emergency fund has been allocated for lagoon clearance, pipe upgrades, and fencing, while a Sh30 million long-term plan targets systemic repairs. Osugo announced the formation of a community oversight committee involving prison officials, Nema, and local representatives to monitor progress.
