Legal & Regulatory

From Maximum Security to Rehabilitation Centers: Full List of Kenya’s Prisons

prisoners in Kenya

Kenya’s correctional facilities form the backbone of its criminal justice system, playing a pivotal role in the custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders. Managed by the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, these institutions cater to varying levels of offenders, from minor misdemeanors to serious crimes. This article offers an exhaustive list of all prisons in Kenya, categorized by security level and region, while delving into their broader roles and challenges.


Categories of Prisons in Kenya

The prison system in Kenya is designed to accommodate diverse offender profiles, with specific facilities tailored for different security needs and rehabilitation programs. The categories include:

  1. Maximum Security Prisons These institutions hold high-risk inmates, including those serving long sentences or convicted of severe offenses.
  2. Medium Security Prisons Designed for offenders deemed to pose a moderate risk, these facilities cater to inmates serving shorter sentences.
  3. Rehabilitation Centers Centers aimed at reforming inmates by equipping them with vocational and life skills for reintegration into society.
  4. Low/Open Custody Prisons Minimal-security facilities for inmates demonstrating good behavior or those nearing the completion of their sentences.

Comprehensive List of Prisons in Kenya

Maximum Security Prisons

  1. Kamiti Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Kahawa West, Nairobi County
  2. Shimo La Tewa Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Mombasa County
  3. Naivasha Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Naivasha, Nakuru County
  4. Kodiaga Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Riat Hills, Kisumu County
  5. Manyani Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Taita Taveta County
  6. Lang’ata Women Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi County
  7. King’ong’o Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Nyeri-Kiganjo Road, Nyeri County
  8. Nairobi Remand and Allocation Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Enterprise Road, Nairobi
  9. Kibos Maximum Security Prison
    • Location: Near Kibos Market, Kisumu County

Other Prisons in Kenya

Nairobi Region
  • Nairobi Short Sentence Prison
  • Nairobi West Prison
  • Kamiti Medium Prison
  • Kamiti Youth Correction & Training Centre
Coast Region
  • Shimo La Tewa Medium Prison
  • Shimo La Tewa Women Prison
  • Kwale Prison
  • Kilifi Prison
  • Malindi Prison
  • Hola Prison
  • Wundanyi Prison
  • Voi Remand Prison
  • Hindi Prison
  • Taveta Prison
  • Kingorani Prison
Central Region
  • Nyeri Medium Prison
  • Nyeri Women Prison
  • Thompson Falls Prison, Nyahururu
  • Murang’a Road Prison
  • Maranjau Prison
  • Thika Main Prison
  • Kerugoya Prison
  • Thika Women Prison
  • Kiambu Prison
  • Ruiru Prison
  • Mwea Prison
Nyanza Region
  • Kisumu Medium Prison
  • Kisumu Women Prison
  • Nyamira Prison
  • Kisii Main Prison
  • Kisii Women Prison
  • Homa Bay Prison
  • Kibos Medium Prison
  • Migori Prison
Rift Valley Region
  • Naivasha Medium Prison
  • Nakuru Main Prison
  • Nakuru Women Prison
  • Eldoret Women Prison
  • Eldoret Main Prison
  • Kitale Main Prison
  • Kitale Medium Prison
  • Kitale Annex Prison
  • Kitale Women Prison
  • Ngeria Prison
  • Kapsabet Prison
  • Kapenguria Prison
  • Lodwar Prison
  • Kericho Main Prison
  • Kericho Medium Prison
  • Kericho Women Prison
  • Athi River Prison
  • Maralal Prison
  • Rumuruti Prison
  • Kajiado Prison
  • Nanyuki Prison
  • Narok Prison
  • Kabarnet Prison
  • Eldama Ravine Prison
  • Tambach Prison
Western Region
  • Kakamega Main Prison
  • Kakamega Women Prison
  • Bungoma Prison
  • Shikusa Prison
  • Shikusa Borstal Institution Prison
  • Busia Prison
  • Vihiga Prison
Eastern Region
  • Embu Main Prison
  • Embu Women Prison
  • Machakos Women Prison
  • Meru Main Prison
  • Meru Women Prison
  • Kitui Prison
  • Uruku Prison
  • Isiolo Prison
  • Marsabit Prison
  • Moyale Prison
  • Kangeta Prison
  • Makueni Prison
North Eastern Region
  • Garissa Main Prison
  • Garissa Medium Prison
  • Mandera Prison
  • Wajir Prison

Key Roles of the Kenya Prisons Service

Beyond incarceration, the Kenya Prisons Service has several critical roles:

  1. Custodial Responsibilities Ensuring the secure confinement of inmates while respecting their constitutional rights.
  2. Rehabilitation Programs Offering vocational training, education, and counseling to help inmates reform and reintegrate into society.
  3. Community Service Initiatives Facilitating community service for minor offenders as an alternative to incarceration.
  4. Security Measures Managing high-risk inmates to maintain public safety.
  5. Support for Judicial Processes Providing remand services for individuals awaiting trial.

Challenges in Kenya’s Prison System

While the Kenya Prisons Service has made significant strides, several challenges persist:

  1. Overcrowding Many facilities operate beyond their capacity, leading to poor living conditions.
  2. Limited Resources Inadequate funding impacts rehabilitation programs, healthcare, and infrastructure maintenance.
  3. Healthcare Issues Overcrowding and insufficient medical facilities result in the spread of diseases among inmates.
  4. High Recidivism Rates Limited post-release support contributes to repeat offenses.

Recommendations for Improvement

To address these challenges, several measures can be taken:

  • Increase funding for prisons to enhance infrastructure and services.
  • Develop robust reentry programs to support ex-inmates.
  • Expand community-based sentencing for minor offenses.
  • Strengthen partnerships with civil society for rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

Kenya’s prisons are a critical component of the justice system, balancing the need for punishment, rehabilitation, and public safety. By addressing systemic challenges and focusing on reform, the Kenya Prisons Service can continue to evolve and contribute positively to society.