Thika, Kenya | 7- 8 October 2026
The Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) convened a two-day internal review of its proposed TB, Leprosy and Lung Health Policy 2026–2036, bringing together Directors and members of the policy technical team to strengthen the draft. The review focused on ensuring that the policy responds to the operational realities of correctional facilities and provides a clear institutional framework for improving access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for persons in custody.
“The health of persons in custody is closely linked to public health, given the movement of prisoners, staff and visitors between prison facilities and communities. Strengthening TB prevention, detection and treatment in prisons therefore contributes to protecting the wider Kenyan population,” said the Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr. Patrick Aranduh, MBS.
His remarks underscored the importance of developing a policy that responds to the health needs of persons in custody while strengthening KPS’s capacity to implement national health standards.
The proposed policy seeks to establish a coordinated institutional framework for TB, leprosy and lung health services across correctional facilities. It addresses leadership and accountability, prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, infection prevention and control, occupational health, resource mobilisation, budgeting, monitoring and continuity of care. Its implementation is expected to strengthen equitable access to quality healthcare for persons in custody while safeguarding their dignity, confidentiality and right to health.
The Commissioner General emphasised that the policy would not create a parallel TB programme or replace Ministry of Health guidelines. Rather, it would clarify how KPS organises, coordinates, resources and accounts for the implementation of national health standards within correctional facilities.
During the review, KPS Directors and members of the policy technical team examined the draft through plenary discussions and directorate-specific working groups, identifying areas requiring further refinement. The process provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional ownership, clarify responsibilities across directorates and ensure that operational considerations inform the policy’s development and eventual implementation.
The internal review marks an important step towards establishing a comprehensive and implementable policy framework for TB, leprosy and lung health within Kenya’s correctional system. Recommendations from the discussions will inform further refinement of the draft ahead of external technical review, with the ultimate objective of strengthening access to quality healthcare, institutional accountability and continuity of care for persons in custody.
KELIN supported the review through the Unitaid-funded COMBAT DR-TB Project, as part of its broader efforts to advance rights-based approaches to TB prevention, treatment and care, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations. Through this engagement, KELIN continues to support the strengthening of institutional policies and accountability mechanisms aimed at addressing barriers to accessing quality TB services within correctional facilities.
For more information:
Ibrahim Kimani
Programme Officer – HIV/TB
KELIN
Email: wainainakimani@kelinkenya.org
