Recent data from the World Prison Brief reveals that Kenya’s prison system is operating well beyond its intended capacity.
With a cumulative accommodation limit of 34,000, current figures show that the country’s correctional facilities are housing approximately 58,887 individuals, which is equivalent to 173% of their designated capacity.
This population includes a small but notable group of children who reside in facilities with their mothers. According to the African Early Childhood Network, nearly 200 children currently live in correctional environments.
Such figures highlight the growing importance of targeted health and hygiene support within custodial environments, particularly as institutions work to maintain wellness and dignity under increasing demand.
Against this backdrop, Pwani Oil Products Limited, through its Detrex Antibacterial Soap, teamed up with Cleanshelf Supermarkets and the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association (KPNA) in a wellness outreach at Nyahururu Women’s Prison to promote hygiene awareness. The event focused on sanitation education and the distribution of essential hygiene supplies to inmates and staff.
The initiative reached approximately 60 women and children at the facility, along with 15 correctional staff, offering hands-on training in key hygiene practices, such as effective handwashing and safe food handling. These measures are considered important in minimizing the risk of communicable infections in high-occupancy settings.
According to a study by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), managing hygiene in confined, shared spaces can be challenging, and efforts to enhance sanitation protocols are beneficial in protecting both inmates and staff from preventable diseases[3].
The outreach included a demonstration of Detrex Antibacterial Soap, a Pwani Oil product formulated to support daily hygiene needs. As part of the event, the company committed to supplying the soap to the Nyahururu facility for two months, in support of ongoing sanitation efforts.
“We recognize the significance of hygiene in maintaining overall health, particularly in settings with a large number of residents. That is why we have made the deliberate effort to support access to basic sanitation tools and training on simple practices that can make a difference,” said Pwani Oil’s Commercial Director, Rajul Malde.
The event also highlighted nutritional practices, with the team showcasing the use of Salit low-cholesterol cooking oil, another Pwani Oil brand. Meals prepared on the day included demonstrations of cooking with Salit to encourage low-fat food preparation, a point of interest as institutions look for ways to support wellness through diet.
In addition to the educational objectives, the initiative sought to create a sense of community between the private sector, healthcare professionals, and correctional institutions, aligning with broader national goals of health promotion and rehabilitation.
Representatives from the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association noted that these outreach efforts, though limited in scale, complement institutional healthcare systems and reinforce public health messaging.
Cleanshelf Supermarkets also played a key role in the initiative, supporting logistical coordination and providing supplies to participants. The retailer affirmed its commitment to corporate social responsibility programs that promote community welfare.
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