A whistleblower has raised concern over alleged deteriorating conditions at Nyeri Women Prison, claiming that both inmates and officers are suffering silently due to fear of victimisation. According to the anonymous officer, female inmates at the facility are allegedly not being provided with basic sanitary materials, including pads and underwear. Whenever the issue is raised, officers are reportedly told that...

A whistleblower has raised concern over alleged deteriorating conditions at Nyeri Women Prison, claiming that both inmates and officers are suffering silently due to fear of victimisation. According to the anonymous officer, female inmates at the facility are allegedly not being provided with basic sanitary materials, including pads and underwear. Whenever the issue is raised, officers are reportedly told that there is no money. The whistleblower claims the situation has worsened under the current leadership of Officer in Charge Madam Esther Kibet, whom they accuse of failing to address basic welfare concerns affecting women inmates. The officer further alleges that the prison has become increasingly dirty because even basic soap for general use is not being provided. As a result, inmates are reportedly being forced to rely on their own provisions to survive the conditions. Healthcare at the facility is also said to be in crisis. The whistleblower claims that even after inmates are seen by doctors and prescribed medicine, it can take months before the drugs are purchased. Some inmates suffering from chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes allegedly go without proper medication unless officers contribute money to assist them. The complaint also paints a troubling picture of working conditions for prison officers. According to the officer, staff are forced to stand for long hours throughout their shifts, with little opportunity to rest. “Huko ni Vietnam,” the officer said, describing the working environment as unbearable. The whistleblower says the suffering of officers has become so severe that there is “almost no difference between officers and inmates” in terms of hardship. The officer also raised concern over the quality of food given to inmates, saying the situation is especially worrying because some women are housed at the facility with children. The claims raise serious questions about inmate welfare, prison funding, healthcare access, hygiene, staff working conditions and the treatment of women in correctional facilities. Below is the testimony as received: > “Heey Cyprian, > > Kindly keep me anonymous. > > A lot is happening in many prisons but officers remain silent because of fear of victimization and threats. Take Nyeri Women Prison as an example. > > Female inmates are not being provided with basic sanitary materials like pads and underwear. Whenever questions are raised, the answer given is always ‘hakuna pesa.’ The Officer in Charge, Madam Esther Kibet, despite being a woman herself, seems least concerned about the situation. > > The prison has become very dirty because even basic soap for general use is not being provided. Inmates are now forced to use their own provisions just to survive the conditions. > > Healthcare is another disaster. Once inmates are seen by doctors and prescribed medicine, it can take months before drugs are bought. Some inmates suffer from pressure and diabetes, forcing officers themselves to contribute money just to help them access medication. > > The working conditions for officers are also unbearable. Huko ni Vietnam. Officers hardly sit down the entire shift. You report in the morning and stand until your shift ends. At this point there is almost no difference between officers and inmates in terms of suffering. > > Human rights are completely ignored there. Even the food given to inmates is shocking, yet these are women, some staying there with children. > > What makes people ask questions is that previous leadership managed things much better, but now everything is collapsing under the excuse of ‘hakuna pesa.’ Even welfare programs were shut down completely. > > Nyakundi, officers and inmates are suffering silently and many people are tired of living in fear while conditions continue worsening every day.” If confirmed, the allegations point to a serious welfare crisis inside Nyeri Women Prison affecting inmates, children living with imprisoned mothers, and the officers assigned to guard them. The Kenya Prisons Service and relevant oversight bodies should urgently inspect the facility, explain whether inmates are receiving sanitary supplies, medicine, soap and adequate food, and address claims that officers are working under punishing conditions. Women in custody do not lose their dignity because they are behind bars. Basic hygiene, healthcare and humane treatment are not favours. They are rights.